Creation Covenant Alliance

Light Pollution Threatens Cultural Heritage for Young People

Constellations, once vital for seasonal guidance, are fading from sight and memory due to increasing light pollution.
The Milky Way over a red rock arch.

Constellations and the Seasonal Knowledge They Provide Are Disappearing

The Milky Way over a red rock arch.

A meteor, the Milky Way, and the Delicate Arch in Grand County, Utah. | Photo by ManishMamtani/iStock

Stargazing enthusiasts are increasingly concerned as light pollution dims the night sky. Cherry Springs State Park in Pennsylvania, known for its pristine views, draws visitors from urban areas like New Jersey and New York. A recent trip by two astrophysics students highlighted the stark contrast between city skies and the star-filled vistas of rural areas.

Most Americans live under light-polluted skies, unable to see the Milky Way. A 2023 study in Science reveals North American skies are brightening by 10% annually, threatening the visibility of even the brightest constellations. A child born today under 250 stars might see only 100 by adulthood.

Young people, particularly Gen Z, often grow up under skies with fewer stars. A recent conversation with a friend from Brooklyn, who had never seen a shooting star outside of movies, underscores this reality. DarkSky International, a nonprofit, advocates for responsible outdoor lighting to preserve night skies and help wildlife.

Elliot Smith, a high school senior near Pittsburgh, only recently experienced a truly starry sky. Inspired by this, he designed shields for outdoor lights through a teen mentorship program at Carnegie Science. He hopes to implement these designs with the help of DarkSky’s volunteer network.

The impact of light pollution extends to cultural heritage. Navajo park ranger Ravis Henry expresses concern for Indigenous traditions tied to the night sky. He notes that stars guide seasons and ceremonies, a practice threatened by urban expansion.

Similarly, Native Hawaiian Gisele Bisch recalls learning constellations as a child. Now at Princeton University, she struggles to see the stars that once guided her ancestors. This loss of connection is echoed by many who grew up with clearer skies.

DarkSky International certifies locations as Dark Sky Places to protect night skies. These areas, like Flagstaff, Arizona, and parts of South Africa, focus on preserving both natural darkness and cultural knowledge. Currently, over 200 locations in 22 countries are certified, with efforts to expand.

For more information on light pollution, visit related stories.

Original Story at www.sierraclub.org

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Bad River: A Tribal Fight Against Pipeline Expansion Emphasizes Long-Term Environmental Planning


A recent legal battle between the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and a major energy corporation has highlighted the importance of long-term environmental planning. The tribe is challenging the expansion of an aging oil pipeline that runs through their territory in northern Wisconsin, citing potential risks to their land and water resources.



As environmental concerns grow, the tribe is using this case as an opportunity to advocate for sustainable practices and protection of natural resources. The pipeline, operated by a Canadian company, has been a point of contention for years due to concerns about leaks and spills that could damage the tribe’s ancestral lands.



The Bad River Band’s resistance is part of a broader movement among Indigenous communities who are increasingly standing up against large-scale industrial projects threatening their environment and way of life. This case echoes similar disputes across North America where Indigenous rights and environmental protection intersect.



Despite the company’s assurances of safety measures and economic benefits, the Bad River Band remains firm in their opposition. They argue that the risks posed by the aging infrastructure outweigh any proposed benefits. The tribe’s long-term vision focuses on preserving their land for future generations, aligning with broader global initiatives to prioritize sustainability.



This ongoing legal confrontation underscores how Indigenous communities are crucial voices in conversations about environmental policy and infrastructure development. For more information on Indigenous environmental advocacy, visit Sierra Club and Greenpeace.



The case serves as a reminder of the complex challenges involved in balancing economic development with environmental conservation. It highlights how the power of collective action and long-term thinking can shape the future of environmental policy.

November 1, 2024