আলোক দূষণঃ পরিবেশ দূষণের এক নুতন অধ্যায়
Volume-XII, Issue-IV, July 2024
Volume-XII, Issue-IV, July 2024 | ||
Published Online: 31.07.2024 | Page No: 166-172 | |||
আলোক
দূষণঃ পরিবেশ দূষণের এক নুতন অধ্যায়
ডঃ হাসিবুর
রহমান মোল্লা, সহকারী অধ্যাপক, ভূগোল বিভাগ,
শিবনাথ শাস্ত্রী কলেজ, কলকাতা, পশ্চিমবঙ্গ, ভারত। | |
Light Pollution: A New Chapter of
Environmental Degradation Dr. Hasibur Rahaman Molla, Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Shibnath Shastri College, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. | |
Light pollution refers to the excessive and misdirected use of artificial lighting particularly
in urban areas. It is a growing environmental concern all over the world. As the whole
world experiences rapid development, the surge in artificial illumination over the past few
decades has been profound. The rapid urbanization, commercial expansion and extensive
infrastructure development have led to a substantial increase in outdoor lighting which
encroaches upon the natural nighttime environment. The impacts of light pollution on
human health are multifaceted. Disruptions to circadian rhythms and sleep disorders are
prominent health consequences. The constant exposure to artificial light at night affects the
production of melatonin, a hormone critical for regulating sleep-wake cycles, thereby
exacerbating these health issues. Furthermore, the ecological impacts of light pollution are
very serious, affecting wildlife in numerous ways. Altered behaviours in nocturnal animals,
disrupted migratory patterns in birds and reduced biodiversity are some of the significant
ecological consequences. This research provides an extensive overview of light pollution
addressing its sources, impacts and potential mitigation strategies. It emphasizes the urgent
need for collective action to reduce light pollution and protect the natural darkness of the
night sky. By implementing effective lighting regulations, promoting awareness and
adopting advanced lighting technologies, it is possible to mitigate the adverse effects of
light pollution. | |
Keywords: Light pollution, artificial lighting, nighttime environment, biodiversity, natural darkness, sleep disorders, nocturnal animals. | |