Name: Why we need darkness
Uploaded: 2019-06-03T18:45:13Z
Duration: 11 min 39 s
Description: A century ago, the starry night sky was clearly visible -- now, songbirds mistake city skylines for the rising sun. Why is the such big problem? Former park ranger Diane Knutson explains the resounding impact light pollution has on our safety, health and environment.

A century ago, the starry night sky was clearly visible -- now, songbirds mistake city skylines for the rising sun. Why is the such big problem? Former park ranger Diane Knutson explains the resounding impact light pollution has on our safety, health and environment.

Diane Knutson: Why we need darkness

Why we need darkness

Light pollution disrupts not only human health but also nocturnal wildlife, with 80% of children unable to see the Milky Way.

Switching to dark sky-friendly lighting could vastly reduce waste and emissions, proving an easy fix to light pollution.

Light pollution distorts natural darkness, affecting health and obscuring stars; solving it could be as simple as turning off lights.