“There are so many things to worry about in our society, and when you first think about light pollution, it may seem like a small thought, but I learned that light pollution has everything to do with it. “Light pollution affects the environment and climate change, and has economic and social implications,” said Bettymaya Foott, Director of Engagement at DarkSky. DarkSky’s headquarters are located at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona Campus (5049 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 105). The office is also home to the DarkSky Southern Arizona Chapter.

A global non-profit organization with 66 chapters in 23 countries, DarkSky restores the nighttime environment through advocacy, advocacy and conservation efforts to protect communities and wildlife from the harmful effects of light pollution. Dedicated.

Foote said more than $5 billion is spent annually on lighting nationwide, and as a result, 99% of the population is not experiencing a natural night. According to the 2016 Global Atlas of Artificial Night Sky Brightness, 80% of the world’s population lives under sky brilliance that disrupts the natural day/night pattern and alters the balance of the environment.

This sky glow not only increases energy consumption, but also destroys the ecosystem of birds, insects and mammals (69% of which are nocturnal).

“Adding light to a nighttime environment destroys our habitat in the same way that bulldozing trees in a rainforest destroys them. Almost every species studied has been shown to be affected.” I know,” said Foote.

The social impact is also significant, with lighting affecting crime and safety in all communities, including indigenous peoples.

“Many indigenous communities depend on the night sky for the continuation of their culture. .

He emphasized that neighborly and community-friendly lighting reduces glare floodlights and the use of warm amber improves vision, making it easier for pedestrians and neighbors to see.

“The darkness can be seen as scary, but we want to make it our own and enhance its reputation. Tucson is an example of a community doing this well,” says Foote. said.

She cited a 2019 study in which 20,000 local streetlights were retrofitted with amber-colored LED lighting with adaptive controls that dim according to instructions.

“We experienced $2.16 million in annual energy savings and a 63% reduction in the total illuminance emitted by our street lights,” says Foote.

Light pollution mitigation is also essential to the state’s astronomy industry, which consists of facilities such as the Kitt Peak, Graham Mountain, Lemmon Mountain, Whipple Mountain Observatories and the University of Arizona Richard F. Callis Institute of Mirror Research. Astronomy in Arizona has more than $1.3 billion in capital investment and more than $250 million in annual economic returns, according to Foote.

“There are observatories and research facilities throughout southern Arizona, and they are all affected by light pollution from Tucson, as well as communities along Phoenix and Interstate 10. Arizona and Pima County are: We have an economic interest in preserving the night sky for these facilities,” said Zane Landers, an amateur astronomer and director of DarkSky Southern Arizona.

Landers said DarkSky Southern Arizona hopes to further its mission in the future by building partnerships with the Tucson Audubon Society and other nonprofits. We will also continue to strengthen our advocacy for city and county lighting and building codes.

“We need to involve astronomers as well as environmental groups, non-profits, and others. We’re on track to cut back,” Landers said.

Supporters hope that local success will translate into improved night skies around the world, both nationally and internationally.

“Seeing the night sky is something most people will never experience in their lifetime. It will show people across the country that we can make a difference in preserving the night sky,” Landers said.