Sporticals

Light pollution 

 

 

Hong Kong has seemed to have the worst light pollution in the whole world. How much energy does Hong Kong really use?

 

Dr Jason Pun Chun-shing, of the Department of Physics at the University of Hong Kong said that “ some of the readings in the kowloon side area were 1000+ times brighter than a normal dark sky.” He also said “there was no place on earth much like Hong Kong’s light pollution.”

 

 

Some Effects of Light Pollution:

 

The light pollution is so bad in Hong Kong that it can affect and damage animals. Light pollution can affect the breeding of the fireflies, which is an insect relying on light signals to find its mate. It is also bad for migrating birds because the night light makes them confused when navigating.

 

Light pollution can also damage your health as amounts of light can disrupt the biological clock of humans and affect their brains and hormone function. It can also lead to a higher chance of getting cancer.

 

 

Light pollution is swiftly destroying the few remaining stargazing locations in Hong Kong. Even though they expect a natural dark sky the brightness its still a lot more brighter than the standard.

 

Some people believe that it is good for tourists with a fantastic view of Hong Kong's skyline and great culture with the bright neon billboards. But these billboards are a huge part of the problem. it attracts tourist into HK, The government wants more tourist bringing more money.

 

Light pollution has not only appeared in commercial areas like Mong Kok and Causeway Bay, but also in the residential areas outside the urban centre. Another reason is because of outdoor lighting such as street lights, buildings, cars etc. But Unlike major cities elsewhere - including London, Frankfurt, Sydney and Shanghai - Hong Kong doesn't have any laws to control external lighting. Who’s fault is it, who’s to blame?

 

How to help?:

You can help stop light pollution, even the littlest thing can help. Change starts with you, reducing light pollution is a simple and easy task if we all lend a hand and raise awareness together. Some of the things we can do is:

 

• Switch off the lights when you leave the room

• Use energy efficient lightbulbs

• Unplug your chargers when you're not charging

• Close the curtains at night to keep the indoor light in.