Every memory I have of my childhood is infused with the colors of nature. I realized that I had once played with glow worms as they emitted light. I used to play with them by gathering them in a glass jar. Remembering this event makes me feel so happy and serene. But nowadays, I have not seen any glow worms around my surroundings, sometimes I see but in very little amount. Occasionally, I have noticed the glow worms in my immediate surroundings, but rarely. Additionally, several experts have noted that a large number of insects have become extinct as a result of light pollution; glow worms are among the insects most negatively impacted in our surroundings.
As I mentioned about light pollution, almost everyone has a question about how light could possibly contribute to pollution. however, it does. As everyone is aware, there are 24 hours in a day. We experience light for around 12 hours, and then darkness or night for another 12 hours. Therefore, night is necessary for life as well. There is scientific evidence that artificial light at night kills and harms a wide range of animals, including insects, birds, mammals, plants, and amphibians as light disrupts the photosynthesis and the activities of insects, birds and other animals. Research indicates that light pollution has an effect on animal behaviors, including wake-sleep cycles, migration patterns, and habitat creation. Light pollution causes confusion, loss of direction, and often death for migrating birds and sea turtles.
Although invasive species, pesticide use, habitat loss, and climate change have all been linked to insect decreases worldwide, artificial light at night is another significant and frequently disregarded factor. Light impacts not just birds, amphibians, insects, and plants, but also humans. Numerous studies have demonstrated the negative effects of artificial light exposure at night on human health, including an increased risk of sleep problems, depression, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Light pollution has become a pressing issue as artificial light sources increase by about 2% year worldwide.
Since many people believe that light is essential for carrying out daily tasks, light pollution is one of the most dangerous types of pollution and is something I really wanted to address. Light pollution not only affects the insects, plants, amphibians, reptiles and humans but also affects the ecosystem. So let's rethink and work together to build a better future and an environment that is healthier for all living things as well as non living ones.