Director, Outdoor Lighting Improvement Section Astronomical Society of Victoria Inc. Summary

The great value of artificial outdoor lighting has largely obscured the social, ecological and environmental problems resulting from present lighting practice. The exponential growth of outdoor lighting observed in Australia and elsewhere is unsustainable and greatly at odds with the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Artificial skyglow resulting largely from wasteful lighting design and overuse of lighting is increasingly hampering astronomical research and education. Stray light entering bedrooms at night disturbs sleep and contributes to sleepiness and fatigue, known factors in traffic and industrial accidents. Exposure to artificial light at night is also a known risk factor for breast cancer and other cancers, and it may be an underlying cause of widespread obesity. Outdoor lighting does not inhibit crime but increases it. Drastic reductions in outdoor ambient light levels are justified and will require legislation to be achieved