LIGHT POLLUTION What is light pollution?
Light pollution takes place when artificial light is present in the nighttime setting. The problem is common in urban centers because of the numerous of light at night: ranging from street lighting to use at homes. The city lights diminish the views of the planets and stars. If a satellite is used to view the night, the urban areas are shown as glowing regions (Falchi et al., 2011). Furthermore, light population refers to the outdoor light that creates both interferes and glare with the natural environment. The types of light pollution include light trespass when the unwanted light trespasses and enters into someone else property or house.
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For example, strong lights entering the bedroom of another person causing complications such as view blocking or sleep deprivation (Falchi et al., 2011). Over-illumination pollution is use of light extensively. Some of the factors contributing to over-illumination include improper hardware selection, improper design, inadequate lighting maintenance and incorrect choice of fixtures. Light clutter is groupings of light that is excessive (Hölker et al., 2010). The lights are potential cause of accidents, distract from obstacles and confusion. Skyglow is summation of all glow effect that is released to the sky (Falchi et al., 2011). These numerous types of light population cause numerous challenges and threats to the environment and persons within the environments.
Homes and Business
The size of the population determines the business and number of homes (Arlington, 2015). It determines the social amenities and resources that are required to be sustained. For example, the higher the population, the more houses required to house the people (Falchi et al., 2011). In addition, the more the number of people means that visitors increase and accommodation in terms of hotels and business are required in large numbers (Hölker et al., 2010). Therefore, the Arlington area has more homes and businesses when compared to Graham region because of population and land size estimates (Falchi et al., 2011).
Populations
According to the 2010 United States Census, the population of Graham was 13,258 people (United States Census Bureau, 2015). The density was 1,584.9/sq. mi (611.9/km2). The same statistics shows that the population of Arlington was 365,438 people. The density was 3,810/sq mi (1,472/km2). Therefore, the statistics show that the population of Arlington is higher compared to the Graham region meaning light pollution in Arlington region is also higher (United States Census Bureau, 2015).
Why are the night skies so visible in Graham, Texas versus Arlington, Texas
Light pollution makes the sky not become visible. The population and lighting system in Arlington causes a lot of population that makes the sky invisible (Falchi et al., 2011). The populations and homes in Graham region are fewer meaning the pollution is minimal and it is possible to see the sky (Arlington, 2015). In addition, the density per area is higher in Arlington when compared to Graham region (Hölker et al., 2010). These are example of the reasons why the sky is visible in one region and invisible in another region (Arlington, 2015).
What are some things Arlington, Texas good do to eliminate some Light pollution.
Arlington region should reduce the light that escapes from homes. The exterior lights should be placed ion motion detectors to manage and determine when it is needed (Hölker et al., 2010). The direct illumination should be pointed downwards, and minimization of wattage since excessive wattage and misdirection contributes to additional wastage (Falchi et al., 2011). Blackout blinds should be used for those people living in multistory building. It will prevent linkage of lights and reduce or eliminate light pollution.
The use of lights should be understood and wastage should be avoided. For example, it is appropriate to turn off lights that are not in use (Hölker et al., 2010). Leaving lights on at the office and during bedtime is both wastage of resources and increases population. Dimmers and overhead lights should be avoided during bedtime and sidelights can be used (Falchi et al., 2011). In addition, the design of the building should incorporate sensors to determine when the lights are needed and when the lights are not needed. Furthermore, “clitterbug” lighting should be avoided especially when it comes to lighting up of commercial establishments and illuminated billboards (Hölker et al., 2010). The owners of these structures should be informed of the threats to the environment and measures that can be employed to address the problem.
The government and other stakeholders play an important role in ensuring the social requirements are fulfilled (Falchi et al., 2011). The societal environment brings into consideration numerous factors ranging from sustainability to economic benefits (Hölker et al., 2010). Acts and legislations should be passed that addresses light pollution. The government is the important stakeholder and politics can be used to lobby and create legislations that reflect the requirements of the environment (Falchi et al., 2011). The government also can create laws that determine the design of the buildings relative to light pollution and other forms of pollution (Hölker et al., 2010). The government can direct the building owners to change the lighting process and introduce new mechanisms to prevent spillage of lights. The companies and other businesses should be informed on the benefits of using the right lighting system for fulfillment of their respective business requirements.
- Arlington. (2015). Home. Retrieved from http://www.arlington-tx.gov/
- Falchi, F., Cinzano, P., Elvidge, C. D., Keith, D. M., & Haim, A. (2011). Limiting the impact of light pollution on human health, environment and stellar visibility. Journal of Environmental Management, 92(10), 2714-2722.
- Graham. (2015). Home. Retrieved from http://www.cityofgrahamtexas.com/
- Hölker, F., Wolter, C., Perkin, E. K., & Tockner, K. (2010). Light pollution as a biodiversity threat. Trends in Ecology & Evolution, (25), 681-2.
- United States Census Bureau. (2015). Home. Retrieved from http://www.census.gov/
