1
Read the text about light pollution and answer the questions.
The invention of the electric light bulb 150
years ago was one of the most important
inventions in history. Electric light is a
beautiful thing which guides us home
when the sun goes down, keeps
us safe and makes our homes
comfortable and bright. However,
like plastic, too much of light has
started to affect the environment
negatively. Light pollution, the
excessive use of outdoor artificial
light, has a negative effect on wildlife,
human health and our ability to observe
stars.
Artificial light is a threat to our natural
environment. Wildlife,
particularly sea turtles, depend on moonlight and
starlight which guide them into the water. Because of the
artificial light, many never find their ways to the water
and end up in lit-up parking lots, roads and busy streets.
Birds are also affected by this; therefore, many cities have
launched a “Lights Out” program to turn off building lights during bird
migration.
Human’s health is also in danger because of light pollution. The excessive light can
damage
people’s eyesight. In addition, it causes sleep problems which lead to a number of health
problems including cancer.
Moreover, on a clear night, with no clouds or artificial lights we can see more than
14,000
stars in the sky, but when we are surrounded by city lights, we can see only about 150. The
excessive light makes many stars invisible to people on Earth.
There are several things that we can do to reduce light pollution in cities. We should use
outdoor lighting only when and where it is needed, make sure outdoor lights are directed down
instead of up into the sky and close window blinds and curtains at night to keep light inside.
1. How has electric light made our lives easier?
2. What are the three things that are affected negatively by light pollution?