All around the world, people have heard of air pollution, water pollution and land pollution, but most are clueless when it comes to light pollution. What is it?

Light pollution is when there is an excessive amount of artificial light, and is extremely problematic to the environment - for humans, wildlife, and the climate.

Due to today's industrial civilization, lighting is responsible for one forth of the world's electricity consumption and light pollution has caused more than 83% of the world to be exposed to polluted skies as well as 99% of the population in the North America and Europe to live in excessive artificial light. In fact three out of every four people who live in cities all over America have never seen true starlight in pristine darkness. Even more surprising is less than 100 years ago, people had the ability to see the night sky without any light pollution in it, but today most children have to grow up without a glimpse of the Milky Way.

One may think, that not seeing starlight may not be a big deal, however through light pollution many are negatively affected. For instance, every year billions of birds are killed due to being disoriented by light. Also turtle hatchlings are unable to find their way toward their ocean habitat because of lighting coming from towns and cities.

However, wildlife is not the only element being affected through light pollution. Research shows, even humans are affected negatively through light pollution. Through a body cycle known as circadian rhythms, our bodies produce melatonin, which cannot be produced without the absence of light. Without melatonin, many health issues can arise such as fatigue, stress, anxiety, obesity and also a few forms of cancer.

Don't worry, there is a solution. In order to reduce wastage and remove excessive lighting from skies, we need to turn off our lights when they are not necessary, use more efficient light bulbs, such as L.E.D.s which thanks to today's light bulb designers are more efficient and can have brightness controlled. Also another necessary solution is to spread the word to friends and family. Although society is becoming more aware towards light pollution, it is important to tell others about it, so future generations are aware of the beautiful night skies that can be seen without artificial light.

Although for the last 100 years, we have been relying on artificial light to guide us through the night, it is important to reduce our light consumption, so we can help save ourselves and the environment and let ourselves see the natural darkness which is filled with a magnificent light.