“The nіght ѕky іѕ раrt of our envіronment, аnd іt would be а greаt loѕѕ іf future generаtіons never get to ѕee іt, juѕt аѕ іt would be іf they never heаr а bіrd’ѕ ѕong,” ѕаid Mаrtіn Reeѕ, the Aѕtronomer Royаl of the Unіted Kіngdom, іn аn іntervіew wіth The Guаrdіаn.
“You don’t have to be an astronomer to care about this. I’m not a birdwatcher, but if there were no birds singing in my garden, I would feel impoverished,” he added.
According to Rees, light pollution has rapidly worsened in recent years, including since 2016 when astronomers reported that one-third of humanity can no longer see the Milky Way.
Scientists say that light pollution is currently causing the night sky to brighten at a rate of about 10% per year.
A child born in an area where they can see 250 stars in the night sky today will only be able to see about 100 stars by the time they turn 18, revealed Christopher Kyba, from the German Research Centre for Geosciences, in a concerning statement.
While light pollution has been a long-standing issue for half a century, the latest surge in this problem may stem from the increasing use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and other high-intensity nighttime lighting.
In addition to the aesthetic loss of our stars, light pollution also poses various ecological risks.
In 2019, scientists discovered that it contributes to the “insect apocalypse.” Light has a significant impact on how insect species move, search for food, reproduce, develop, and seek shelter from predators. Light pollution leads sea turtles and migratory birds astray.
Rees and his colleagues are pushing for their 2020 report and proposing several policies to reduce light pollution. This includes appointing a minister responsible for dark skies, establishing a dark sky commission, and setting strict standards for light density and direction.