Sensory Ecology: Wildlife Impacts

Humans have managed to pollute darkness itself. Jessica Wynn explains how artificial light erases stars and harms wildlife and health on Skeptical Sunday!

Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and a guest break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions. This time around, we’re joined by writer and researcher Jessica Wynn!

Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1237

On This Week's Skeptical Sunday:

• Light pollution is excessive artificial light that goes where it's not needed — and it's spreading fast. The night sky is brightening 7-10% every year, and 80% of Americans can no longer see the Milky Way from where they live.
• About 30% of outdoor artificial light spills wastefully into the sky instead of illuminating the ground. We traded the stars for street lights without considering the cost — losing not just dark skies, but our connection to the cosmos.
• Light pollution disrupts circadian rhythms and melatonin production, contributing to insomnia, depression, obesity, diabetes, and even increased cancer risk. Blue-rich LED light at night is particularly harmful to human health and well-being.
• Wildlife suffers dramatically from artificial light — migrating birds crash into illuminated buildings, sea turtle hatchlings head toward cities instead of the ocean, and insect populations are decimated. Even marine ecosystems are disrupted.
• The good news? Light pollution is reversible. Use shielded, downward-facing fixtures, choose warmer LED colors (under 3000K), install timers and motion sensors, and support dark sky initiatives. Turn off unnecessary lights — reclaiming darkness also reclaims wonder.
• Connect with Jordan on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
• Connect with Jessica Wynn at Instagram and Threads, and subscribe to her newsletters: Between the Lines and Where the Shadows Linger!

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