There is nothing like gazing at glittering stars at night. However, most people think the view of the sky at night is hampered by all the artificial light around. A recent survey has confirmed this.
For this reason, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has supported calls to reduce the usage of street lights and neon signs, among others, in order to lessen the problem.
With the help of the British Astronomical Association, the CPRE surveyed 1,745 people in the United Kingdom, and 83% of them said that they have been disturbed by this light pollution problem.
Around 50% of the respondents added that light pollution has been disturbing their sleep.
The CPRE added that artificial light not only distracts us from the magnificence of the night sky, it also damages the environment and wastes a lot of money.
Respondents expressed various comments through the survey, from regret and sadness to anger and frustration.
For several years, campaigners have promoted efforts to solve the problem. Supporters have also pointed out the importance of businesses, councils and homeowners in taking steps to reduce levels of light pollution.
“The costs of not acting are clear: unnecessarily high energy bills for councils, and therefore, for local taxpayers, more carbon emissions, disrupted sleeping patterns for people, disturbance to wildlife, and a night sky bereft of the majesty of the Milky Way,” said Emma Marrington, CPRE’s rural policy campaigner.