Light pollution is harmful to natural biological rhythms, says Umberto Mulé Stagno from the Light Pollution Awareness Group (The Astronomical Society of Malta).

Aerial photo of Malta at night.

What are Malta’s current light pollution levels?

In Malta, there is no location that is free from light pollution. Sky glow is noticeable at various levels in different locations, including darker spots. In some locations it is almost easy to read with this level of sky glow. The dusty and humid conditions in the Maltese islands accentuate the effect of sky glow, which is a dome of reflected light from artificial sources. Even from out at sea, one can observe that sky glow above Malta is visible even at several tens of kilometres away.

From exterior lighting surveys which we have carried out we found many cases of light levels being four or five times more than those required by lighting standards – that means four or five times more consumption of electricity.

What effect does light pollution have on the environment and our quality of life?

The natural biological rhythms in both humans and other species depend on the alternation between light and darkness. Light exposure after sunset is known to disrupt this rhythm. In humans, various studies, although still to be scientifically proven, have shown that long-term exposure to light increases the chances of cancer due to the disruption in the production of melatonin – this is produced generally at night rather than during the day. It is also known that light can disrupt the habits and life for both sea creatures and birds. Nocturnal birds depend on the moon and stars for navigation.

Plants can also be harmed by light pollution, mainly due to the effect of artificial light on pollinators. In trees, photosynthesis is affected by even the lowest light levels. It is thus very disturbing to observe floodlights mounted on trees in some of our roundabouts.

What dark-sky heritage does Malta possess and how is this disturbed by light pollution?

We currently have dark-sky heritage areas in Gozo and Comino. The local plan for these areas specifically promotes the use of energy efficient outdoor lighting in the countryside, with zero per cent upward wasted light ratio. It is envisioned that other areas in Malta would fall under the same protection, especially in the west coast area, where until now there is less development and relatively darker skies than the rest of the island.

What are the ideal light levels for outdoor lighting?

Lighting levels depend on the reason for lighting. It is common to find over-illuminated buildings, sports facilities and other open areas such as gardens. The advent of solid-state lighting (namely LED lighting) has brought lower wattage but brighter light, which in some cases is excessive.

When choosing a light fitting, one must keep in mind the height or distance that such light source has from the area to be illuminated. The avoidance of glare and over illumination can actually improve visibility and save money. This is due to the fact that excessive contrast can actually impair our vision and be counterproductive to its scope.

Does good lighting design play a role in reducing light pollution?

The primary rule in the reduction of light pollution is to illuminate the area needed and avoid light spill onto areas where it is not required (light-trespass). The key point is the avoidance of light going above the horizontal – such lighting would be wasteful, apart from being a nuisance. Any uplighters should be used with the minimum wattage possible. Also by reflectors and baffles in such a way that light goes where it is needed, so that glare and trespass are avoided.

Is there any supporting legislation to control light pollution?

Several countries around the world, such as the US, UK and Italy, have adopted laws to minimise light pollution. It is from such examples that in Malta such standards and regulations are being sought by the Light Pollution Awareness Group.

How can we, at an individual and national level, control light pollution?

Lighting in our residences can be neighbour friendly and also environmentally friendly by using even the simplest of measures, such as the use of timers, sensors and shields. Outdoor storage areas or gardens can be lit with adequate lighting that does not spill onto neighbouring properties or in the sky. Light that’s not required specifically for security can be turned off. In security applications, sensors can complement the use of security lighting to help deter crime.

At a national level, it is recommended that we take a closer look at the way construction projects are managed, especially excessive use of floodlights. The way lighting is managed for church facades, bastions, and monuments needs to be revisited. Beaches also require attention due to the sensitivity of marine life forms to artificial light.

On our streets, apart from adequate road lighting, an effective policy on the use of interactive billboards needs to be brought into effect, in order to avoid danger to motorists and to reduce light pollution. Such devices can and should be controlled with dimming timers for after-dark operation such that it is not overly distracting or impairing to motorists, and that light-pollutionis minimised.

What is the role of the Light Pollution Awareness Group in reducing light pollution?

The Light Pollution Awareness Group has been actively engaging the authorities and other organisations to bring into effect laws or measures to curb light pollution. New projects that are proposed are monitored by our volunteers to make sure that recommendations or even conditions are imposed on developers to provide for good quality lighting.

We have seen an improvement in the lighting schemes in various infrastructural projects, such as the recently opened roads and some public gardens. We also appreciate that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority is seriously considering light pollution. However, more needs to be done in order to improve the quality of our nighttime environment.

See the light

Lighting should be designed, installed and operated to:

• control glare and prevent light trespass onto adjacent properties
• minimise direct upward light emission
• promote effective security
• avoid interference with the safe operation of motor vehicles.