Light Pollution and Wildlife: The Hidden Welfare Threat

Artificial light at night disrupts the behaviour, navigation, reproduction, and survival of a vast range of species from insects to sea turtles to migratory birds.

Key Facts

Artificial light at night has increased globally by approximately 2% per year in recent decades, fragmenting dark habitats
Sea turtle hatchlings navigate to the ocean by orienting toward the brightest horizon; artificial coastal lights cause disorientation and death
An estimated one billion birds die each year in North America from window and tower strikes, many linked to light-induced disorientation during migration
Insects are drawn fatally to artificial lights, with some studies estimating that a single night of a trap light can kill thousands of individuals
Light pollution alters predator-prey dynamics — illuminated areas may benefit some predators while exposing prey species to higher risk

Welfare Considerations

Light pollution is an animal welfare emergency that operates largely invisibly. Billions of insects, birds, and other animals die or experience significant welfare harms annually due to human-generated light that disrupts evolved biological processes tied to natural light cycles. Sea turtle hatchlings are among the most acutely affected — entire nesting beaches can lose a season of hatchlings to artificial light disorientation in a single night.

What You Can Do

Use motion-activated, downward-directed, amber-spectrum outdoor lighting at home
Support Dark Sky designation for protected areas and coastal nesting zones
Advocate for Lights Out programmes in cities during peak bird migration seasons
Choose buildings that implement bird-friendly glazing and lighting protocols
Support organisations researching and advocating for light pollution reduction policies