文章大意:本文是一篇说明文。文章主要讲的是研究表明了光污染已经成为一个全球性问题,而且还在继续恶化,而且可能会以越来越快的速度恶化,该研究还强调了LED技术的“隐性影响”。
Global light pollution has increased by at least 49% over 25 years, new research shows. This data (数据) only includes light which can be seen through satellites, and scientists think the true increase may be significantly higher — up to 270% globally, and 400% in some areas.
This study shows not only of how bad light pollution has become as a problem of the whole world, but also that it is continuing to get worse, probably at a faster and faster rate.
The study highlights the “hidden impact (影响)” of the LED technology. LEDs send out more blue light than previous lamp technology, but satellite sensors can’t discover this blue light and so underestimate (低估) the level of emissions (排放物). The authors say the actual increase in the power sent out by outdoor lighting, and thus of light pollution, may be as high as 270%. “To take the UK as an example, if you pay no attention to the effect of the change to LEDs, you get the false impression that light pollution has recently weakened,” said researcher Dr Sanchez de Miguel. “However, it has really increased, very remarkably.”
Contrary to popular belief, the LED streetlights, while potentially providing some energy savings, has increased light pollution and also the impacts on flying insects (昆虫).
Ruskin Hartley, Executive Director of the International Dark-Sky Association, said, “Over the past 25 years, the use of LED lighting has been accompanied by rapid increases in light pollution all over the world.”
If no action is taken to change this trend (趋势), the impact on the natural environment will speed up, further worsening the biodiversity (生物多样性) crisis and wasting energy. Many studies have now shown that light pollution, from streetlights and other sources, can have major impacts on the natural environment. Such pollution is likely to have played a role in the huge decrease in insect populations.
12. How does the author illustrate that light pollution becomes worse?
A.By referring to certain theories. |
B.By providing comparative data. |
C.By listing a lot of opinions. |
D.By giving some examples. |
13. Why was light pollution in the UK underestimated?
A.Emission levels of LEDs are low. |
B.Satellite sensors are blind to LEDs. |
C.Outdoor lighting is limited in the UK. |
D.LEDs are less and less used in the UK. |
14. What’s the general belief of LED streetlights?
A.They are good for insects. | B.They save lots of energy. |
C.They cause light pollution. | D.They are environment-friendly. |
15. What does the last paragraph focus on?
A.The harm of light pollution. |
B.The causes of biological crises. |
C.The trend of insect populations. |
D.The importance of the natural environment. |