UNEP: Light Pollution
Have you ever wondered why we can’t see the stars in Southern California? This occurrence is a result of light pollution, a phenomenon that occurs because of excess artificial, outdoor light sources. Cars, buildings, and street lamps are just a few of the manmade objects that generate light that make it impossible to see the stars in many cities around the world, including Long Beach. However, more than stargazing is at stake. Light pollution confuses animals like birds and sea turtles as they migrate, changes our bodies’ natural sleep rhythms, and is a representation of wasted energy. It is up to delegates to consider infrastructure, ecosystems, and energy to attempt to address this overlooked issue that threatens our environment every night.