Light Pollution

(Taken from http://forbesindia.com/blog/economy-policy/turn-the-dimmer-down-the-high-costs-of-urban-light-pollution/)

Light pollution is the effect of artificial light on organisms and the ecosystems. Light pollution disrupts the biological rhythms of organisms and interferes with their behaviors. Some animals and insects will get confused by the orange glows from cities, unable to differentiate if it is day or night.

For example, some birds that migrate at night navigate by moonlight and starlight. The presence of artificial light can cause them to wander off course and miss the ideal climate conditions for nesting, foraging and other activities. 

(Taken from http://www.clearwatergazette.com/cg/news/critical-habitat-
designated-for-loggerhead-sea-turtles-in-atlantic-gulf-of-mexico-20140717/)

Another victim of light pollution is baby sea turtles. Baby sea turtles usually hatch at night, and they follow the bright horizon over the ocean for navigation. Artificial lights draw them away from the sea. Sadly, millions of hatchlings die in Florida annually 

due to light pollution.

Light pollution may seem minuscule when compared with other forms of pollution. Although having little impact on humans, they can be devastating to the ecology around. In today's world, it is practically impossible for cities to not cause light pollution. But with awareness, we can perhaps tone down light pollution to a less devastating level.



References

Light Pollution Effects on Wildlife and Ecosystems (International Dark-Sky Association)

http://darksky.org/light-pollution/wildlife/

Light Pollution Taking Toll on Wildlife, Eco-Groups Say (National Geographic)

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2003/04/0417_030417_tvlightpollution.html