Bright lights need not be Hong Kong’s calling card

Some nights ago, I visited Tai Hang Tun, a well-known stargazing spot, to photograph the rising core of the Milky Way. Instead of a starry sky, I was met with an artificial twilight caused by glaring, unshielded fishing lights near Clear Water Bay. This is not just an inconvenience for astronomers; it is a symptom of Hong Kong's unchecked light pollution.

The Marine Department has rules governing the use of bright lights by fishing vessels. Violations are penalised with a maximum fine of HK$5,000, but is that enough? Patrols to tackle the issue don't seem to be frequent, and the penalty hardly appears to be a deterrent. Meanwhile, the ecological and human costs pile up.

Light pollution disrupts the navigation of migratory birds and nocturnal animals. For humans, sleep disorders worsen and long-term health suffers when melatonin production is suppressed due to our brains receiving bright blue light.

As a global city, Hong Kong isn't just competing as an economic powerhouse but as a metropolis committed to sustainability and a decent quality of life. Places such as Singapore and Tokyo have integrated green policies into urban growth, but Hong Kong has a unique opportunity: our proximity to nature. Dark skies, clean air and quiet parks could be our competitive edge – drawing talent, tourism and investment from those looking for a break from smog and excessive light.

Imagine promoting astro-tourism in our country parks or marketing Hong Kong as an urban dark sky reserve. Reducing light pollution also aligns with global climate goals by cutting energy waste. These efforts would prove Hong Kong isn't just a financial hub, but a forward-thinking pioneer of sustainability.

In short, the government must treat light pollution with the same urgency as air or water pollution. Stricter enforcement – higher fines and increased patrols – is needed for marine lighting violations. Beyond that, we should designate official dark sky reserves and impose binding limits on light emissions from buildings and vessels after certain hours. With smarter policies, Hong Kong can reclaim its skies before the last stars vanish behind a wall of wasted light.