Key learning points

1. Light pollution is the presence of too much or unnecessary light made by humans.
2. Light pollution can disrupt human sleep and wildlife patterns.
3. Urban areas with greater populations create more light pollution.
4. Some rural areas in the UK are named ‘Dark Sky’ sites, where their light pollution is low.
5. Some organisations are campaigning to tackle light pollution and improve the night sky for people and wildlife.

Keywords

• Light pollution - Light pollution is unwanted human-made light that has a negative effect on the environment.

• Urban - An urban area is an area where many people live and work close together such as a city or town.

• Rural - Rural areas are found in the countryside. They are areas with fewer people and homes.

• Population - A population is all the people living in a particular country, area, or place.

• Campaign - A campaign is a planned set of activities that people carry out in order to achieve something.

Common misconception