Light Pollution free essay sample

Global Context of Nursing Paper NURS 4100 Section M March 31, 2010 York University Global Context of Nursing Paper: Light Pollution Over the past decade evidence has been mounting that excessive outdoor lighting is not only an aesthetic issue, but a potentially hazardous environmental one as well (Berg, 2009). Research has shown that excessive lighting is directly responsible for the exponentially growing problem of light pollution (Chepesiuk, 2009). The negative effects of light pollution have been well documented in humans, animals and the overall eco-system (Berg, 2009; Chepesik, 2009). In fact, a compelling amount of epidemiological evidence points to a consistent association between exposure to excessive light and a plethora of related health ailments. Luckily, according to Berg (2009), light pollution is one of the easiest pollutants to reduce. As such, it is imperative that immediate steps be taken in eradicating this solvable issue, as disregarding it will only exacerbate the effects it has on us and the non-human citizens of our planet. We will write a custom essay sample on Light Pollution or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The following paper will explore the issue of light pollution, based on the frameworks, analyses, discussions, and evaluations embedded in the philosophy of this course. It will discuss the issue, evaluate it based on the global context of nursing and conclude with our intentions for action. As nurses comprise of the largest group of healthcare providers, it is imperative that they continuously strive to improve health within the global community (Leuning, 2001). As today’s world is extremely fast paced and ever changing, in order for nurses to fully participate within the current healthcare arenas, they too must adapt to the ever changing dynamics of this world. The present challenge for nurses lies in the fact that nursing education must create teaching-learning environments which facilitate the emergence of the global perspective and the awareness of the interconnectedness between us, and the other inhabitants of this world. As such, Leuning (2001) proposes her teaching-learning principles, derived from her conceptualizations, with the aim of facilitating this global perspective. The predominant principle pertaining to the issue of light pollution is the principle of peacemaking, as it speaks of respect for all others on this earth, as well as for the earth itself. According to Leuning (2001), despite the inherent differences within our belief and value systems, peacemaking assumes that people will nevertheless honor each other’s dignity, respect and use the Earth’s resources fairly and responsibly, as well as value all other life. As the issue of light pollution disregards all aspects of this principle, it is best illuminated here. As the greedy corporations around the world show utter disrespect and carelessness toward the human and non-human inhabitants of this world, by negatively impacting their health via lighting, the peacemaking principle is clearly omitted. Despite the noted damaging effects, people continuously choose to ignore the message behind this principle and consciously persist to damage the surrounding sentient life. Not only does light pollution attribute to the depletion of our resources, as a result of wasteful fossil fuel consumption (U. S. Energy Information Administration, 2010), it also leads to many dysfunctions within the human body, as well as negatively impacts both animals and plants (Navara amp; Nelson, 2007; Longcore amp; Rich, 2004). In spite of these findings, those profiting from lighting continue to carry on, neglecting their responsibilities as the citizens of this world, and as such persist to harm the species and dishonour human dignity. According to the Ottawa Charter (1986) and Jakarta Declaration (1997), certain fundamental resources and conditions must be initially in place, prior to health being present. Unfortunately, the issue of light pollution has created a circumstance where the attainment of health for all is virtually impossible. Light pollution has created such instability within the eco-system, that the non-human citizens are now being impacted daily by its horrific effects. Longcore and Rich (2004) have concluded that the sky glow resulting from artificial lighting leads to alterations in reproductive activities, predator/prey interactions, as well as in orientation capabilities. Such alterations have the ability to result in large-scale ecological changes, and impact the survival capabilities of key species within the environment. In addition, a basic human right, the right to health, is also being disrespected as light trespass (unwanted light entering one’s property) invades our personal space, causing various negative effects (Chepesiuk, 2009). Moreover, our sustainable resources are also becoming compromised, as they are being rapidly depleted due to the millions of oil barrels wasted each year on illumination (U. S. Energy Information Administration, 2010). Although the ICN, CNA, and RNAO have not taken direct steps toward addressing light pollution, they have however been involved in tackling pollution in general. The ICN has made attempts to address the issue of pollution by collaborating with other groups, as well as educating others and advocating for changes to be made (ICN, 2008). They have tirelessly worked toward influencing decision makers, who encourage practices that pose threats to the health of humans, as well as the overall environment. The RNAO has also recognized that certain environmental factors, such as pollution, attribute to the disease and suffering within our world (RNAO, 2010). Given the seriousness of the consequences associated with pollution, the RNAO has decided to take a stance in protecting human health and the environment. As RNAO’s mandate is to advocate for healthy public policy, they have worked toward implementing the Environmental Protection Act, as well as the Green Energy and Green Economy Act, where resources are made available to conserve energy. RNAO’s mission is to create vibrant communities by building healthier environments, which involves reducing harmful pollutants in the environment. The RNAO recommendations include committing to aggressive targets in order to dramatically increase the green share of energy, and sharply reduce consumption through conservation. RNAO is also working toward making conservation and green energy priorities in planning, regulation, procurement and operation in Ontario. As well, the CNA has made attempts to resolve this issue by working toward making improvements within the current situation of the eco-system (CNA, 2005). CNA has become a member of the Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care. They have also taken personal steps by making several changes to the CNA House, such as replacing light bulbs and old technology with more efficient energy alternatives. The rapid worldwide transmission of cultural images and lifestyle norms has undoubtedly contributed to the growing issue of light pollution. With the popularity of the Western world utilizing brightly lit advertisements to promote media images, the rest of the economically developed world has followed suit (Berg, 2009). This can be witnessed in Toronto’s Dundas Square, which is progressively becoming quite similar to New York’s Times Square, and works toward further perpetuating the 24/7 economy, where profits are the driving force behind the flashy advertisements. Although the advertisements are aesthetically pleasing, they portray the American ideal of consumerism and materialism, which limit the vision of the Ottawa Charter. As the corporations strive to entice the consumers, through wasteful resource practices, and increase their own profit margins, they are obliterating our environment via destabilizing the eco-system and destroying our resources (Ottawa Charter, 1986). The disruption of the star-studded dark skies by light pollution has contributed to the oppression of the world views of cultures living with a holistic relational earth-based planetary perspective. As the Western world increases light consumption at night, the visibility of stars decreases, hence oppressing cultures living with a planetary perspective that depend on stars at night for navigation (Native Women’s Association of Canada, 2007). Darkness at night is an important part of the environment and culture of people living with an earth-based perspective. Chief Seattle (1855) writes that the dark woods are holy to the experience of his people, and disrupting these natural dark conditions at night are factors that oppress his people. Darkness at night provides a pristine environmental setting that is preferred by many wildlife species and plants. In the process of polluting the environment with light, the Western world causes various detrimental effects on plants and animals, who suffer without natural darkness (Native Women’s Association of Canada, 2007). Harming these non-human citizens of the earth goes against the principles of Chief Seattle (1855), who notes that every part of the Earth is sacred for his people, where plants are their sisters and animals are their brothers. As the Western world continues to pollute the environment with light, it also opposes the traditional teachings of Chief Seattle (1855) to preserve the land for future generations. Light pollution not only causes disruptions to female reproductive cycles, but it also has the capacity to result in large-scale ecological changes (Longcore amp; Rich, 2004). The indigenous people embrace a sacred relationship with the natural world, having a deep respect, responsibility and obligation to nature and all forms of life (Peat, 1997). As the Western world continues to carelessly abuse light consumption without considering its consequences, this oppresses the indigenous cultures who believe in living in harmony and balance with the natural world (Peat, 1997). According to Ayres (2000), the impacts of human technology account for the phenomenon of the extinction of species, commonly referred to as the extinction spike. The extinction spike operates in the background of light pollution, as light pollution and artificial light have been linked to disruptions in reproduction, and decline and extinction of many species such as salamanders and frogs (amphibians), sea turtles (reptiles), birds, fireflies, and plants (Chepesiuk, 2009). This loss in biodiversity is the most dangerous threat to human security and to the sustainability of civilization because once these organisms are lost, they cannot be regained. The significance of the extinction of these species lies in that evolution depends on the availability of diverse species in order to form healthy ecosystems. Evolution also depends on a rich gene pool within species to help them adapt to various conditions. In turn, diminishing the biodiversity of species will not only destabilize our ecosystems, but could also limit our capacities to stay healthy and adapt (Ayres, 2000). It is important to note that reptiles carry important keys to our long-term survival on Earth, as they have been on the planet one thousand times longer than Homo sapiens (Ayres, 2000). As light pollution continues to decrease the biodiversity of plant and animal species who hold the key to cures and our survival, adverse consequences to human and planetary health will persist. In addition to the extinction spike, light pollution contributes to the carbon dioxide spike as well, as electricity is generated by burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas). Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, leading to global warming and extreme weather events (Ayres, 2000). Moreover, as electricity and light are generated by the burning of fossil fuels, the utilization of fossil fuels leads to the consumption spike. The consumption spike refers to the depletion of Earth’s resources faster than the natural processes are able to regenerate them (Ayres, 2000). As can be seen, light pollution contributes to the extinction spike, the carbon dioxide spike, and in turn the consumption spike. The egocentric environmental paradigm holds currency with regard to light pollution. According to Kleffel (1996), the egocentric paradigm is grounded in the notion that the individual good is the highest good that will ultimately benefit society. Egocentrism is the guiding ethic of entrepreneurs and corporations, who use natural resources (fossil fuel) and light in order to maximize their economic gains. For instance, this is prevalent in advertising, where companies contribute to light pollution by using excessive illumination to promote their products and maximize profits (Narisada amp; Schreuder, 2004). Egocentrism is also portrayed by home owners, who illuminate their houses for purposes of aesthetics and appeal, thus focusing on what is good for themselves. There is a need to move away from the egocentric toward the ecocentric paradigm, as light pollution threatens the existence of both the living and non-living. Ecocentrism holds that the entire environment has intrinsic value. As everything in life is connected, unity exists between humans and the environment. Thus, we need to take care of the world by decreasing light pollution. In order to operationalize the shift in paradigms, we need to address light pollution by changing the day-to-day living habits of society in conserving our resources. Furthermore, we need to raise awareness of light pollution by talking to others and joining organizations that address light pollution issues (Muskoka Heritage Foundation, 2004a). We need to start locally in order to have a global effect. As such, everyone can do the minimal things that together can have an impact. It is interesting to note that the aspects limiting nurses’ actions on behalf of global health are that nurses generally do not understand the nterrelations between social, political, and economic structures and the origins of health and illness (Kleffel, 1996). Furthermore, nursing theories do not adequately describe the concept of the environment. According to Kleffel (1996), the environment is defined in relation to individuals, rather than having its own essence and intrinsic value. As egocentrism has dominated the Western culture, nurses adopted this approach into their theories. In turn, nursing care theories do not allow for much nonhuman interchange of care due to their anthropocentricity. According to Kleffel (1996), as the ecocentric view is only starting to inform the profession and has not yet achieved significant standing in nursing scholarship or practice, it will take time until nurses uphold the ecocentric principles toward actions on behalf of global health with regard to light pollution. Light pollution is just one of the many global issues affecting our ecology, human health, and economy today. Although it affects all inhabitants of our planet, this issue is particularly important to nurses, as it is directly related them. Research demonstrates that nurses working night shifts, who are constantly exposed to artificial lighting, have an increased risk of breast cancer (Cotter et al. , 2007; Davis, Mirick, amp; Stevens, 2001), as well as colorectal cancer (Navara amp; Nelson, 2007). The WHO (2007) has notes that shift work is extremely detrimental to our health, classifying it as a â€Å"probable carcinogen† (Cotter et al, 2007). These findings and many more, contribute to the ever growing research which suggests that hazardous conditions are prevalent throughout nursing. In the CNA Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses (2008) one of the responsibility statements indicates that â€Å"nurses [must] maintain their fitness to practice†, implying that it is the nurses’ obligation to maintain their own physical health. Thus, nurses must take action in addressing this issue. Furthermore, as it is a nursing responsibility to provide safe care and minimize harm, hospitalized patients are currently not receiving the competent care they deserve. As they too are being exposed to the ever-lightning hospital environments that negatively affect patient health, this provides an even bigger incentive for nurses to get involved. In addition to being holistically involved in maintaining our planetary health, we also have a moral commitment to care and advocate for all the non-human beings affected by light pollution. Fortunately, nurses possess a real capability to address this issue across all levels: individual, institutional, systemic, and societal. At a local level, we may advocate for efficient, less wasteful light sources in our homes and workplaces. We also can negotiate with decision makers at our institutions, regarding the maximal dimming of lights at night and turning them off whenever possible. Furthermore, at a systemic level, we can support and participate in the research addressing this issue, and further disseminate our knowledge among colleagues, patients, friends and neighbours via newsletters, posters, conferences, and lectures. At a societal level, nurses can lobby local governments with respect to developing sites which will reduce light pollution (Muskoka Heritage Foundation, 2004b). These numerous responsibilities should not overwhelm us, as we have effective tools to influence this problem. According to Keith (2008), full cut-off lighting fixtures allow for significant reductions in light pollution and the usage of lower wattage lamps, aid in decreasing the overall energy consumption and contribute to decreases in carbon dioxide emissions. As nurses, we have to remember the tenets of Florence Nightingale, who recognized the significance of physical conditions affecting human health and called on nurses to be actively involved in creating an environment which facilitates recovery (Beck, 2004). Nightingale implied that creating and sustaining healthy environment starts from the individual household and expands to the â€Å"development of health policies that would apply to larger populations† (Beck, 2004, p. 143), which determines our strategy for action. Falk-Rafael (2006) develops the ideas of Nightingale in applying them to our current situation of increasing global economic, political and cultural connections. She underlines the effects of the environment on human health, stating that 25% of disease and injury in the world is attributable to environmental decline. By indicating that â€Å"consumerism has become the dominant world faith† (Falk-Rafael, 2006, p. 11), she points out the main cause of light pollution, which is the glow of business/office building windows, and advertising signs (Berg, 2009). The proposal to shift the focus from profits to people (Falk-Rafael, 2006) is closely related to the objectives of our political actions to reduce light pollution. In addition, in recognizing that all planetary beings are ecological citizens (Falk-Rafael, 2006), she supports the idea that our ethical obligation as nurses is to protect the ealth and advocate for justice towards all non-human creatures. In researching this issue, we began to experience a great deal of responsibility, in terms of being advocates for ourselves, other humans, as well as the non-human citizens of our planet. It is become apparent to us that even simple things, such as turned on decorative lights, may have detrimental effects which can impact our entire ecosyste m. We all contribute to this issue; however, improving it is also in our hands. For this reason, we shared our ideas and emotions with one another, which were shaped and enriched by the new insights discussed in this course, and developed some statements (see Appendix) which express our thoughts pertaining to this topic. As statistics show that nighttime lighting has quadrupled in intensity, every decade since the 1960s (Dickinson, 2003), and about two thirds of the current world population live in areas where the night sky is above the threshold for polluted status (Cinzano, Falchi, amp; Elvidge, 2001), we have decided that we must all act immediately in our own ways. Ela expressed that in learning about the detrimental effects of this issue previously mentioned, she intends to take various actions in order to minimize lighting usage, including turning off the lights whenever possible and installing dark sky friendly lighting in her home. She also wishes to raise awareness of this issue by discussing it with others. Karina also shared that in learning about light pollution she began to realize the extent to which our world abuses the consumption of scarce resources, and inflicts harm on the planet. She was amazed that more is not being done to shed light on this issue, as it directly impacts the health of the human and non-human citizens on this Earth. She expressed that her intentions for action will be to share this acquired knowledge with other individuals, and commit to influencing policies and regulations at her prospective workplaces. Natalia stated that learning about this topic made her realize that much of what we do directly impacts our Earth. She expressed that she does not want to wait until the last star disappears from the night sky, and intends to act by participating in the next symposium held by the Muskoka Heritage Foundation, as no nurses were represented in the previous one. Elena revealed that she was afflicted by the continued usage of our precious resources. She was concerned that our world is knowingly using up energy and harming all sentient life, although it is unneeded. She expressed that she intends to act by making personal changes in her own use of lighting, as well as sharing this information with others, so that they can also make changes. We collaboratively agreed that we do not want to wait until the last star disappears from the night horizon. We believe that if all people join together and turn off the unneeded light, it will make a difference. We feel that we need to act now. We are nurses. We, all people, are nurses of this world. We are nursing this world. As nurses educated to care for others, we are responsible for educating ourselves and other people on how to nurture our world in our big global village, on a small and defenceless planet. References Ayres, E. (2000). The four spikes. Futures, 32, 539-554. Beck, D. -M. (2004). The lens of health determinants: Nightingale’s dual focus on negative and positive. In Dossey, B. M. , Beck, D. -M. , Selanders, L. C. , Attewell, A. Florence Nightingale Today: Healing, Leadership, Global Action. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association. Berg, R. (2009). Getting serious about light pollution. Journal of Environmental Health,  71(9),  46-48. Canadian Nurses Association (2005). Greening the Canadian Nurses Association. Retrieved March 5, 2010, from http://www. cna-aiic. ca/CNA/documents/pdf/ publications /Greening_CNA_e. df Canadian Nurses Association (2008). Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses. Retrieved March 24, 2010, from the CNA web site: http://www. cna-aiic. ca/cna/documents/pdf/publications/ Code_ of Ethics_2008e. pdf Chepesiuk, R. (2009). Missing the dark: Health effects of light pollution. Environmental Health Perspectives, 117(1), 20-27. Chief of Seattle (1855). A letter from Chief Seattle. Retrieved from NURS 4100 Cou rse Kit. Cinzano, P. , Falchi1, P. F. , amp; Elvidge, C. D. (2001). The first World Atlas of the artificial night sky brightness. Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society 328, 689–707. Cotter, T. , Perez, D. , Dessaix, A. , Baker, D. , Murphy, M. , Crawford, J. , Denney, J. , amp; Bishop, J. F. (2007). Cancer and lifestyle factors. Retrieved February 20, 2010, from the Cancer Institute web site: http://www. cancerinstitute. org. au/cancer_inst/publications/pdfs/pm-2007-01_cancer-and-lifestyle-report-2007. pdf Davis, S. , Mirick, D. K. , amp; Stevens, R. G. (2001). Night shift work, light at night, and risk of breast cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 93(20), 1557-1562. Dickinson, T. 2003). Naturalists of the night. Retrieved February 20, 2010, from the Muskoka Heritage Foundation web site: www. muskokaheritage. org Falk-Rafael, A. (2006). Globalization and global health: Towards nursing praxis in the global community. Advances in Nursing Science, 29(1), 2-14. International Council of Nurses (2008). Nurses, Climate Change and Health. Retrieved February 20, 2010, from http://www. ic n. ch/PS_E08_Nurses%20Climate%20Change. pdf Jakarta Declaration on Leading Health Promotion into the 21st Century (1997). Retrieved February 15, 2010, from http://www. ho. int/hpr/NPH/docs/jakarta_declaration_en. pdf Keith, D. (2008). Roadway lighting design for the optimization of UPD, STV and uplight. Journal of the IES , 29(2), 39-54. Kleffel, D. (1996). Environmental paradigms: Moving toward an ecocentric perspective. Advances in Nursing Science, 18(4), 1-10. Leuning, C. J. (2001) Advancing a global perspective: The world as a classroom. Nursing Science Quarterly, 14(4), 298-303. Longcore, T. , amp; Rich, C. (2004). Ecological light pollution. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, 2(4), 191–198. Muskoka Heritage Foundation. 2004a). Natural Heritage Program. Retrieved March 2, 2010 from the Muskoka Heritage Foundation web site: www. muskokaheritage. org Muskoka Heritage Foundation (2004b). Ecology of the night. Recommendations. Retrieved February 20, 2010, from the Mus koka Heritage Foundation web site: www. muskokaheritage. org Narisada, K. , amp; Schreuder, D. (2004). Light pollution handbook. Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Springer. Native Women’s Association of Canada (2007). Aboriginal women and the environment: Air, noise and light pollution. Retrieved March 2, 2010, from http://www. wac-hq. org/en/documents/nwac. air-noise-lightpollution. jun2007. pdf Navara, K. J. , amp; Nelson, R. J. (2007). The dark side of light at night: physiological, epidemiological, and ecological consequences. Journal of Pineal Research, 43(3), 215-224. Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion (1986). Retrieved February 15, 2010, from http://www. who. int/hpr/NPH/docs/ ottawa_charter_hp. pdf Peat, D. F. (1997). Blackfoot physics and European minds. Futures, 29(6), 563-573. Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (2010). Creating vibrant communities: RNAO’s challenge to Ontario’s