Let there be dark
Light pollution is as big a threat to our planet as sewage or plastic, says dark sky officer Dani Robertson
- Radio Times Staff
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Darkness is disappearing. Our homes, towns and cities are swathed in light. It’s a symbol of wealth and extremely fashionable – fairy and festoon lights are everywhere – and we believe it makes us safer. But as the UK’s only dark sky officer, I want to alert you to the hazards of light pollution. It’s as big a threat to our planet as sewage or plastic, threatens most ecosystems and robs us of the sight of the Milky Way, a spectacle that has been enjoyed by humanity for more than 100,000 years. But not today, with the glare around us obscuring our view.
Growing up on a council estate in Greater Manchester, I remember fizzing with excitement when my dad, an amateur astronomer, took us outside in our pyjamas to see Hale-Bopp, the “Great Comet”. We couldn’t see a thing. For many kids, that day in 1996 was the moment they lost interest in space. What was the point?
Professor Dani Robertson. BBC
Our family later moved to Anglesey where, for the first time, we experienced darkness. It felt like another planet and we could see the constellations in the sky. That history has led me – after a series of humdrum jobs – to my work today.
I have unusual hours. My colleagues call me “the office vampire”. I take my telescopes and wildlife observation kit around Wales, showing communities the stars and doing night hikes, spotting owls, bats or glow worms. Back at my desk, I scrutinise planning applications and try to change policy.
In Wales, we have the highest percentage of protected dark skies in the world, at just under 20 per cent. Eryri (Snowdonia) – where I’m based and which, together with the Welsh government, funds my work – is a dark sky reserve. We won’t stop there. I want Wales to become the first dark sky nation, with more considerate use of light across all our counties.
Light at night is linked to insomnia, high blood pressure
But as I say in my episode of Our Lives, it’s an uphill battle. Light pollution is increasing around the world because of urban development and our changing lifestyles, at a rate of around seven per cent a year; 98 per cent of the UK population lives under light-polluted skies.
Most people don’t know that light is a major contributor to biodiversity loss. It affects the sleeping patterns of wildlife, from moths and bats to robins and blackbirds. A study by the charity Buglife found 50 per cent fewer moth caterpillars in areas with LED street lights, halving the food source of birds like blue tits. Many migratory birds are being pulled off course.
Light pollution also has an impact on our health. Exposure to light at night has been linked to insomnia, high blood pressure, diabetes, poor mental health and even an increased risk of developing breast cancer. It’s not too far-fetched to say that it’s also a matter of the survival of our species: experts have warned that our skies need to be dark enough to track asteroids long before they hit.
It’s time for the UK Government to introduce legislation that would mean warmer and lower lighting in new-build estates (better for communities and wildlife) and darkness targets to help biodiversity. We also need to see action on the new LEDs, on car lights for example. Many people find them far too bright.
There are simple steps we can take. If you’re at home, ask yourself what’s really necessary – fairy lights will damage wildlife on a tree. Fully shield lights so they face downwards instead of wasting 50 per cent of your energy by sending light into the night sky. If you’re a shop owner, brighter won’t notch up more sales. If you’re a council, dimming street lamps will save money. We’re led to believe that brighter means safer. But you can actually see better around a lower, warmer light.
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If you’re lucky enough to see the night sky unobscured by light pollution, it’s calming because it gives you perspective. You’re looking back in time. We must protect this essential part of what it means to be human. DANI ROBERTSON
Authors
Radio Times Staff
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