Abu Kebir is a city located in the Sharqia Governorate of Egypt. It is a medium-sized city with a population of around 250,000 people, according to a 2017 census. Abu Kebir is known for its vibrant nightlife, which has made it a popular destination for both locals and tourists. However, the city's nighttime activities have also led to significant light pollution, which can have negative effects on both human health and the environment.
Light pollution is caused by the excessive and misdirected use of artificial light. It not only affects the night sky's visibility, but it also has a significant impact on the environment and human health. In Abu Kebir, the most significant sources of light pollution are streetlights, illuminated signs, and outdoor lighting from businesses and homes. Due to its urban location, Abu Kebir's light pollution is classified as severe, according to satellite measurements. The excess light has adverse effects on human circadian rhythms, which can lead to insomnia, depression, and other health issues.
One of the most well-known landmarks in Abu Kebir is the Al-Quba Mosque, located in the city's center. The mosque is an essential religious site for Muslims and is often illuminated at night, adding to the city's light pollution. Additionally, many hotels, restaurants, and bars in the city center use excessive outdoor lighting to attract customers, further contributing to the problem.
Another factor that affects the city's light pollution is the behavior of its inhabitants. Many residents in Abu Kebir use excessive outdoor lighting for security reasons, leaving lights on throughout the night. Moreover, residents tend to keep their homes well-lit throughout the night, leading to a significant amount of light escaping through windows and adding to the overall light pollution.
Aside from its nightlife, Abu Kebir's industrial sector also contributes significantly to the city's light pollution. Many of the factories located in the city use outdoor lighting throughout the night to enhance security and maintain a 24-hour production cycle. This lighting is often misdirected, leading to a significant amount of light escaping into the night sky.
There are several steps that Abu Kebir can take to reduce its light pollution. One potential solution is to implement dark sky regulations that limit outdoor lighting use and require lighting fixtures to be properly directed. Additionally, implementing a public education campaign to inform residents about the dangers of excessive light pollution and ways to reduce it could be beneficial. Businesses and factories could also be incentivized to use more energy-efficient lighting fixtures that reduce light pollution.
Abu Kebir is a vibrant city with a thriving nightlife, but its excessive use of artificial lighting has led to severe light pollution. The city's residents, industrial sector, and outdoor lighting all contribute to the problem. The city could take steps to reduce light pollution, such as implementing dark sky regulations, public education campaigns, and incentivizing businesses to use more energy-efficient lighting.