Understanding the Dangers of Light Pollution

A Call for Environmental Protection

Jason Toh
The Environment
2 min readMar 10, 2024

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Light pollution, how terrifying is it really?

And why is the harm it brings not just as simple as not being able to see the stars?

Every time night falls, the multitude of complex lights in the city will penetrate the atmosphere to form a light fog and reflect in all directions until it illuminates the entire night sky, making it impossible for us to see those distant and dim stars with the naked eye. It’s like lighting a candle after turning on all the lights in a room; it’s hard to notice these faint candlelights. But when all the lights are turned off, the candlelight becomes particularly noticeable.

Research indicates that light pollution affects the production of melatonin in the human body, thereby seriously affecting the quality of our sleep. Artificial nighttime light also confuses many animals into thinking it’s daytime, affecting their behavior, reproduction, and migration patterns. Moreover, over 80% of the electricity used by humans today comes from non-renewable resources such as oil and coal. For the sake of humanity’s future, it’s crucial to prioritize the protection of ecosystems and the night sky.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

From France, the cognac expert Rémy Martin, using the image of the constellation Sagittarius — half-man, half-horse — as its brand logo, has been advocating for the protection of the environment alongside all living things, guiding directions by the stars. For example, understanding the influence of the moon’s phases on grape quality for cognac production. The more we understand natural laws, the better we can protect biodiversity.

Through collaborative efforts between the Shanghai Astronomy Museum, Rémy Martin, and the support of the International Dark-Sky Association, the Dark Sky Protection Photography Exhibition was held at the Shanghai Astronomy Museum. This not only piques the interest of more people but also provides diverse channels for understanding the importance of protecting the night sky. Rémy Martin continues to take practical actions, dedicated to protecting ecosystems and the night sky, ensuring that we can all share the same starry sky.

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Jason Toh
The Environment

Writer on mindset, life, self-improvement, psychology, mental health, science, storytelling and etc