From a mitigatory/regulatory
perspective the above mentioned patterns of human population change may provide vehicles to more efficiently limit future environmental damage associated with artificial light. If intensifying urbanization is effectively anticipated and understood, it might be easier to coordinate regulatory responses and technological efficiencies of scale. Thus, if most of the future growth is geographically concentrated, the ability to coordinate light pollution control measures could be enhanced. The BKM120 research buy same might be said of touristic development. It provides a commonality of activity that can be dealt with by a more concerted and directed response. In all other spheres of activity that result in artificial light impacting marine life, there are clearly possibilities to regulate light spillage into the sea. Whether from coastal developments or fishing, or from oil and mining exploration Ku-0059436 or from cruise liners and other merchant shipping activities, there are a wide range of opportunities to regulate and thereby minimise potential adverse effects of light pollution. Simply embedding the idea that in everything we do, consideration needs to be given to minimising the amount of light we release
into the environment, would be a helpful step forward. Whatever is done, it is first and foremost essential to recognize the scale and scope of the potential problem in hand. It is almost unimaginable that if we discovered a new pollutant today that had pronounced effects on fundamental cellular processes, that affected biological rhythms of cells, and that potentially affect photosynthesis, that we would not control or regulate its release into natural ecosystems! Yet this is precisely what we do when we allow light to spill into our seas, estuaries, rivers and lakes, as well as into terrestrial ecosystems. The evidence is clear not that the feeding, reproductive and migratory behaviour of some species is already affected. It seems timely therefore to reconsider
our profligate use of light and to pay more attention to its biological effects. If nothing else, more prudent use of artificial light would also reduced energy consumption and related greenhouse gas emissions, surely a worthy goal in itself? We gratefully acknowledge the support of the UK Government Foreign and Commonwealth Office and of the Peninsula Foundation, UK, for providing financial support to facilitate collaboration among the authors. “
“The Publisher regrets that in the abovementioned article, the author list was published incorrectly. The correct listing now appears above. “
“Worldwide economic instability and civil unrest in present times have contributed to waned public interest in global climate variability.