GoKawiilEssay highlights growing loss of natural night darkness amid rising light pollution
A writer recounts traveling to Oregon's dark sky reserve to view an unpolluted night sky after years of living amid Portland's artificial lighting. The piece cites data showing the night sky grows 10% brighter each year and that 80% of people now live under light-polluted skies, according to research referenced by the author.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The essay frames access to natural darkness as an environmental and human right, suggesting excessive outdoor lighting could have unrecognized costs for both ecosystems and human wellbeing. This framing implies that policy or design choices around lighting—like floodlights and streetlamps—may warrant reconsideration, though no specific regulatory action is reported.
- Night skies are becoming approximately 10% brighter annually, per data cited in the essay.
- About 80% of people currently live under light-polluted skies.
- The author argues for recognizing darkness as a right comparable to clean air and water, though this remains a personal viewpoint rather than an established policy.
Gideon Blackout Curtains — Since city light pollution keeps leaking through your curtains at night, a proper set of blackout curtains can help you reclaim some of that lost darkness for better sleep. They're an easy, affordable way to block out streetlights, porch lights, and parking lot glare mentioned in the article. Pair them with a sleep mask for nights when you can't escape to a dark sky preserve.”,
See Gideon Blackout Curtains on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: theguardian.com — Tove Danovich, 2026-09-29
Published there as: “We’re forgetting what darkness feels like”
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