POV Season 25 Episode 4
POV
Season 25

Ep 4. The City Dark

  • July 5, 2012
  •   (11)

The POV season 25, episode 4 is titled The City Dark. This episode of the documentary series explores the impact of light pollution on the environment and human health. The episode is directed by filmmaker Ian Cheney, whose interest in the topic was sparked by stargazing as a child.

The episode takes viewers on a journey to investigate the effects of artificial light on natural conditions and human experiences. Cheney travels to different locations across the U.S, including New York City, California, and Maine, where he documents the effects of light pollution on wildlife, human circadian rhythms, and nocturnal landscapes.

Viewers are introduced to the concept of light pollution, defined as excessive or unnecessary artificial light that results in a reduction of visibility of the night sky. The issue of light pollution is explored from various viewpoints, including that of astronomers, conservationists, medical professionals, and city planners, who discuss the ways in which artificial light affects their respective fields.

The effects of light pollution on wildlife are examined. Cheney follows Steve Lightfoot, a biologist and researcher at Texas State University, who is investigating the impact of artificial light on the migration patterns of birds. Viewers witness Lightfoot's method of trapping and banding birds at night, which helps him study the effects of light pollution on their behavior.

The impact of light pollution on human health is also explored. Scientists and doctors discuss the ways in which exposure to artificial light can disrupt the human body's natural circadian rhythm, resulting in sleep disorders, cancer risks, and other health problems.

The episode also explores the cultural significance of the night sky and the impact of light pollution on our ability to stargaze. Cheney interviews amateur and professional astronomers who express concern over the loss of the night sky as a cultural and scientific resource.

Cheney unpacks the challenges of addressing light pollution in cities, where intense artificial light is an integral part of urban life. He visits New York City, where bright lights and towering skyscrapers contribute to a light pollution problem that has eroded urban sky visibility significantly. City planners reflect on the difficulties of balancing safety concerns with the need to reduce light pollution.

In conclusion, The City Dark presents a comprehensive view of the impact of light pollution on the environment and human health. The episode's attention to the perspectives of multiple stakeholders makes it a nuanced and thought-provoking contribution to a growing public discourse on the issue. The City Dark challenges viewers to question the effects of artificial light on our homes, communities, and planet, and encourages individuals to become more mindful of their relationship with light.

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Description
  • First Aired
    July 5, 2012
  • Language
    English