One of the greatest achievements in human history is the control of fire. This allowed people to stay safe at night, cook their meals, and protect themselves from the cold. Although we have illuminated the nights for generations afterwards, with the introduction of artificial lights into our lives, this state of preservation has almost left its place to a light show.
According to scientists, these artificial lights can have negative effects on people, for example, we may have problems with the secretion of some hormones. On the other hand, although we can somehow eliminate these problems, there are other creatures that suffer from the artificial light pollution we create: animals.
Artificial lights are a big risk to animals
The Mediterranean coasts of our country, especially the regions such as Belek and Dalyan, are known as the regions where the Caretta Carettas, whose lineage is under protection, give birth. In this region, after the baby turtles hatch, they can find the sea by looking at the moonlight and flamingos. For this reason, when the turtles hatch, the surrounding lights are specially turned off. But light doesn’t just affect them.
Moths, butterflies, many insect species, and nocturnal creatures are also an important part of the ecosystem. Artificial light seriously affects the life of these creatures. For example, some endemic species come and circle around the lamps of the houses instead of performing a mating dance in the moonlight.
The researchers state that the rate of artificial light increases by 2% to 6% each year. As light pollution increases, the life cycle of living things deteriorates. The life of living things actually passes in the form of sleep, nutrition, rest and reproduction cycles. Artificial lights cause the animals to be mistaken in terms of both the day cycle and the perception of the season. Millions of living things die every year because of this.
According to scientists, some steps need to be taken to resolve this situation. For example, using dim lights, unlike the light of the moon or the flamingos, can prevent the turtles from getting lost. On the other hand, light pollution is shown as one of the most easily solved problems.
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