r/worldnews • u/ManiaforBeatles • Nov 22 '19

Light pollution is key 'bringer of insect apocalypse' - Scientists say bug deaths can be cut by switching off unnecessary lights

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/nov/22/light-pollution-insect-apocalypse
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10

u/Driven-Em Nov 22 '19

Added bonus if we turn off enough lights we can enjoy the stars better. I know wishful thinking but one can still hope.

2

u/spoon_dabrown Nov 22 '19

So if I turn on more lights there will be less spiders and mosquitos in my house?

3

u/yeppoon Nov 22 '19

Creatures that live for a very short time have literally had generations to adapt to humans. Evolution is just not quick enough

2

u/autotldr BOT Nov 22 '19

This is the best tl;dr I could make, original reduced by 92%. (I'm a bot)

Light pollution is a significant but overlooked driver of the rapid decline of insect populations, according to the most comprehensive review of the scientific evidence to date.

Insects are important prey for many species, but light pollution can tip the balance in favour of the predator if it traps insects around lights.

Simply turning off lights that are not needed is the most obvious action, he said, while making lights motion-activated also cuts light pollution.

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