All species rely on sustained alternating periods of bright days and dark nights. When we remove night from this equation we set in motion a cascading succession of harmful consequences. A growing body of scientific research suggests that light pollution can have lasting adverse effects on both human and wildlife health (let’s add a hyperlink to where to learn more from these studies). The American Medical Association has warned that the pervasive use of nighttime lighting creates harmful health effects associated with obesity, mood and anxiety disorders in adolescents; and in women, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.  Scientists estimate that between 100 million and 1 billion migrating birds are killed in collisions with buildings each year, many of which are related to light emissions.* And scientists also believe that light pollution is a contributing factor in the rapid decline in insect populations.  When we over-light the night, we are contributing to light pollution, which negatively alters the nocturnal environment for all species on earth. 

Eighty percent of the world’s population lives under a dome of light pollution which results in significant harmful impacts to the ecology, health and well-being of all life. And light pollution is increasing by 10% each year. Turning off our lights at night will help to create a healthier environment for all species and our ecosystems throughout the entire District of Columbia.​