By Aimilia-Meropi Konialidis, Y 10
Switzerland is often described as one of the most eco-friendly countries on the planet. As of 2018, Switzerland is the most sustainable country in the world, scoring 87.42 out of 100 on the EPI (Environmental Performance Index). Despite this bright side, however, Switzerland is one of many countries that suffer from light pollution.
Light pollution is a phenomenon caused by the excessive use of artificial light outdoors, which washes out starlight in the night sky, interferes with astronomical research, disrupts ecosystems, has negative health impacts and wastes energy. Unlike some other countries, however, Switzerland is innovating new solutions. Local authorities in Zurich have a ten-year plan to redesign the city’s outdoor illumination system which will minimize light pollution. In addition, efforts have been made all over Switzerland to change its regular street lights (halogen bulbs) to LED non-glare bulbs.
On the 26th of September, 2019, the 150 municipalities of Geneva decided to turn off all public lighting for one night, an effort they named “La nuit est belle.” The initiative aimed to raise awareness about the negative effects of light pollution and allowed all 1 million inhabitants of the greater Geneva area to enjoy a clear view of the planets, stars, and the Milky Way.
Other countries are encouraged to take action, and limit, if not prevent, the many negative effects of light pollution. Simply changing the design of regular street light bulbs to non-glare, lower wattage bulbs will positively affect local flora and fauna. People will also be able to sleep better, which presents a positive health impact. Not only does light pollution have many negative effects on our ecosystem and our bodies, but it is also expensive and requires an inordinate amount of energy. Why waste money, energy and cause distress to our ecosystem when we can simply change a few bulbs?
