By Obiabin Onukwugha
The Climate Africa Media Initiative Center (CAMIC) is raising alarm over the increasing impact of over-illumination on biodiversity.
The body said as urban areas expand and artificial lighting becomes more prevalent, excessive and poorly managed illumination is disrupting ecosystems, threatening wildlife, and exacerbating environmental degradation.
CAMIC, in a statement issued by its Chief Growth Officer, Pius Alabi on Thursday, February 20 emphasised that the excessive use of artificial light beyond necessary levels is a growing concern in urban and peri-urban areas.
It noted that studies indicate that artificial lighting alters natural behaviors of various species, including birds, insects, amphibians, and mammals.
“Many nocturnal species rely on darkness for survival, using natural light cues for navigation, reproduction, and feeding.
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However, excessive artificial lighting interferes with these processes, leading to disorientation, increased predation, and population declines.
“For instance, migratory birds rely on natural light patterns to navigate vast distances, but bright city lights often misguide them, causing fatal collisions with buildings.
“Similarly, artificial lighting disrupts the mating and feeding behaviors of insects, many of which play crucial roles in pollination and ecosystem balance.
“Even marine life is not spared—sea turtles, which depend on moonlight to guide hatchlings toward the ocean, often find themselves heading inland toward artificial lights, reducing their survival rates,” the statement read.
While emphasising, the need for sustainable lighting practice, the body stated that policy-driven and community-based interventions is key to curbing over-illumination.
It added: “In the race towards urban development, we must not ignore the silent damage that excessive artificial lighting inflicts on biodiversity.
“Sustainability efforts should include responsible lighting strategies that prioritize both human needs and environmental balance.”
