Dear editor,
A new report about light pollution estimates that the U.S. spends in excess of $8 billion per year on lights shining into the sky.
In Canada, with our population, it’s equivalent to $800 million. It’s wastage we cannot afford.
In our local area, I have given out light pollution brochures to companies and individuals and even the local councils of Comox and Courtenay. Their response, especially in Courtenay, wasn’t very promising.
Comox was different. There was a positive response.
Their Hydro bill from 2010 was $100,000. Unfortunately, no response from Courtenay for a comparison.
There are a horrendous number of outdated streetlights, not flat panelled to 21st century standards, which will lower wattage over 50 per cent and save on Hydro expenses. We don’t need those extra lights.
Television news Dec. 6 showed satellite images of the horrific light pollution of North America. To put it bluntly, we just cannot afford it.
Got to darksky.org for updates.
J.C. McKee,
Comox
Editor’s note: J.C. McKee is the president of the Comox Valley Astronomy Club.