Social Effects of Light Pollution Εισηγητές 4th E.P.A.L. - Greek School Kavala, April 4th, 2017

Light Pollution Wastes Energy and Money Lighting that emits too much light or shines when and where it’s not needed is wasteful. Wasting energy has huge economic and environmental consequences.

Light Pollution Wastes Energy and Money In an average year in the U.S. alone, outdoor lighting uses about 120 terawatt-hours of energy, mostly to illuminate streets and parking lots. That’s enough energy to meet New York City’s total electricity needs for two years!

Environmental responsibility requires energy efficiency and conservation Installing quality outdoor lighting could cut energy use by 60–70 percent, save billions of dollars and cut carbon emissions. Outdoor lighting should be fully shielded and direct light down where it is needed, not into the sky.

Environmental responsibility requires energy efficiency and conservation Fully shielded fixtures can provide the same level of illumination on the ground as unshielded ones, but with less energy and cost. Unnecessary indoor lighting – particularly in empty office buildings at night – should be turned off.

The natural night sky is our common and universal heritage   The natural night sky is our common and universal heritage Experiencing the night sky provides perspective, inspiration, and leads us to reflect on our humanity and place in the universe. The history of scientific discovery and even human curiosity itself is indebted to the natural night sky.

Without the natural night sky we could not have: Navigated the globe Walked on the Moon Learned of our expanding universe Discovered that humans are made of stardust

The natural night sky is unknown to the new generation!!! Consequences of the light pollution: Both under naked eye and with a telescope, night sky observation has become problematic. Only the most shiny of the stars are visible under these conditions. This is also the case of our milky way, which can only be seen in the countryside.

The situation in Greece The largest Greek cities, such as Athens and Thessaloniki, face the specific problem. In these cases, the only way to observe the night sky is to go far away from the specific cities. Those that want to take photos of the night sky have to travel at least 100 km away from Athens.

The measurement of the economic wealth from the night lighting Sometimes statistics of a country’s economic wealth aren’t reliable or adequate. Now three researchers from US suggest that is better to count the economic wealth by analyzing a satellite’s night photo of a country, a town or a region. The logic behind that, is that bigger economical development means more light sources and expanded in a largest area. Είναι σταθερός ο αριθμός των φυτικών taxa στην Ελλάδα;

According to these researchers, the consumption of almost all products and services after sunset require general lighting. As the income increases, the use of the lighting per person is being increased as well for consumption or investment.

The maintenance of observational astronomy for the education and civilization Maintaining the astronomical environment is closely related to the understanding and acceptance of astronomy science society. But this requires effective education. We know how this can be achieved. What remains to us is to take action in education, and to convince our colleagues and our students to do the same.

The maintenance of observational astronomy for the education and civilization Why astronomy is useful and interesting? People will not sensitized to the problem of light pollution, if they will not recognize the importance of astronomy. Actually, astronomy has deep roots in history and culture.

The maintenance of observational astronomy for the education and civilization Astronomy has to do with the study of the birth and evolution of the universe and the earth. Also has aesthetic and emotional aspects: it reveals a universe that is vast and beautiful: excites the imagination and curiosity and creates your need for exploration and discovery.

THANK YOU!!!