Light pollution and Wildlife: A Delicate Balance

For billions of years, all life has relied on Earth’s predictable rhythm of day and night. It’s encoded in the DNA of all animals, birds and insects. They depend on Earth’s daily cycle of light and dark rhythm to govern life-sustaining behaviours such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep and protection from predators.

Light pollution, caused by excessive artificial lighting, effectively turns night into day, and it has negative and deadly effects on many birds, mammals, amphibians, and insects. It interfering with navigation, migration, feeding patterns, and reproduction cycles, ultimately impacting animal survival and population health.

Recognizing the negative impacts of excessive artificial light on wildlife, the environment and human health is essential for fostering change. My sincerest hope is that by experiencing our incredible night skies and nocturnal birds, animals and insects, people will become aware of the consequences of light pollution, support dark sky initiatives and policies, adopt responsible lighting practices, and advocate for change within their communities.