Press/Media: Research
Article published by The Conversation on why we need a new conception of the dark and new visions for places that enable us to reconnect with the night sky through more responsible and less environmentally harmful lighting.
| Title | Cities need to embrace the darkness of the night sky – here’s why |
|---|---|
| Degree of recognition | International |
| Media name/outlet | The Conversation |
| Primary Media type | Web |
| Country/Territory | United Kingdom |
| Date | 11/11/20 |
| Description | Light pollution is a big problem, not just because of the needless energy and money that it represents. Scientists are increasingly referring to this as a global challenge. Light is everywhere, an often-uninvited byproduct of our contemporary lives, shining from the devices we use and through the environments we inhabit. Darkness, meanwhile, appears unwanted. How did we get to the point where if an urban landscape is not dazzling with light it must be troubling, even threatening? This article argues that we need a new conception of the dark and new visions for places that enable us to reconnect with the night sky through more responsible and less environmentally harmful lighting. Among the complex and cascading issues that climate change presents, engaging with the potential of darkness in our cities is more important and urgent than ever before. Urban development around the world remains uneven and it would be easy to repeat and increase the problems we have already caused with light pollution. It is time for us to embrace the darkness. |
| Persons | Nick Dunn |