Light pollution (excessive light during night time) is a form of pollution that distresses many people, especially in modern cities. What are the causes of light pollution, and what solutions can you suggest for governments and businesses to take?

As more of us live in cities, the question of

light

pollution is becoming increasingly topical and important to address. There seem to be three main causes, and

also

two key solutions which we could take to lessen the problem. The main cause is almost certainly the use of lighting for advertising in public spaces. For example, if we look at cities

such

as Tokyo or Moscow, almost all available surfaces are fitted with some form of

light

, often for announcements or commercial use.

This

huge expansion in illuminated advertising is partly a result of competitive pressures, and

also

due to

the power of

such

advertising, with flashing

lights

, video and pictures. A secondary cause is the large number

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of

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street lamps and security

lights

used in cities, which are intended to reduce accidents and crime by removing shadow areas at night.

Finally

, high levels of night-time traffic

also

produce

light

pollution, as drivers use headlamps which shine into windows and gardens after dark. Turning to possible remedies, it might be tempting for governments to ban or regulate electric advertising billboards, but in many cases (

for example

in New York or London) these signs are now a local symbol. It would

also

be difficult to reduce security and traffic

lights

,

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apply

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because these are needed to keep

residents

and travellers safe. I would rather see a government-backed programme of

light

protection for private homes, involving better insulation against outside

light

after dark.

This

would allow

residents

to rest in their homes without being disturbed by the

lights

in the streets outside.

Additionally

, a voluntary ‘dark day’ once per week, supported by business advertisers, in which all commercial lighting is reduced, would allow

residents

to experience a more natural level of darkness without jeopardizing their safety. In summary, advertising and public lighting are the main factors behind

this

problem. Better

light

insulation, and occasional voluntary reductions in commercial lighting, would greatly help the

residents

to live more in peace with a brightly illuminated environment