The Problem with Bright Nights

Humans have used electric light for over a century. It allows us to be active after the sun goes down and makes our streets safer. ( 1 ), this constant brightness has created a new environmental problem known as light pollution. Today, many cities are so bright at night that the stars are no longer visible.

Light pollution also negatively affects many animals. For example, baby sea turtles hatch on beaches and usually move toward the bright reflection of the moon on the ocean. Artificial lights from nearby hotels and roads can ( 2 ) them, causing them to move away from the water and toward the land instead. This makes them vulnerable to predators and exhaustion.

To solve this problem, many communities are starting to change their lighting habits. They are installing shields on streetlights so that the light shines only downwards, not up into the sky. By taking these steps, they hope to ( 3 ) the harmful effects on nature and bring back the dark night sky.

The Problem with Bright Nights

Humans have used electric light for over a century. It allows us to be active after the sun goes down and makes our streets safer. ( 1 ), this constant brightness has created a new environmental problem known as light pollution. Today, many cities are so bright at night that the stars are no longer visible.

Light pollution also negatively affects many animals. For example, baby sea turtles hatch on beaches and usually move toward the bright reflection of the moon on the ocean. Artificial lights from nearby hotels and roads can ( 2 ) them, causing them to move away from the water and toward the land instead. This makes them vulnerable to predators and exhaustion.

To solve this problem, many communities are starting to change their lighting habits. They are installing shields on streetlights so that the light shines only downwards, not up into the sky. By taking these steps, they hope to ( 3 ) the harmful effects on nature and bring back the dark night sky.