Two local environmental groups are drawing attention to the impacts of light pollution by declaring April 15-22 Dark Sky Week in Charleston. The International Dark Sky Association of Charleston (IDA) and the Charleston Audubon and Natural History Society will announce the Dark Sky Week April 11.
During the week, residents are asked to start new habits and “turn off exterior lights when they’re not needed, reassess their lighting needs and consider motion-sensing or intentional lighting systems so that we can all enjoy the night sky and give wildlife like migrating birds and hatching sea turtles safe passage,” according to a press release.
The IDA and the Charleston Audubon and Natural History Society say excessive artificial lighting is disrupting the natural sleep cycles of both wildlife and local residents.
Light pollution can cause many migrating species to become disoriented, resulting in collisions, death or injury. It can also confuse newly hatched sea turtles in the area, causing death.
The two organizations also point to the declining populations of beneficial insect populations as a result of light pollution and pesticide use.
Light pollution can also impact human health and waste resources.
“Light pollution wastes natural resources resulting in $3 billion per year of wasted energy in the United States, contributing to diminished energy security,” the organizations wrote in a press release.
The IDA is recognized as an authority on light pollution and is the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide.
The Charleston Audubon and Natural History Society, which has been in operation since 1905, works to protect Charleston’s natural resources and habitats. Today, the society supports environmental education, advocacy, habitat restoration and protection in the Lowcountry.
Read more about light pollution in a January Charleston City Paper article here. To learn more about light pollution, visit darksky.org.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.