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A resolution recognizing April 21 through 28, 2025, as International Dark Sky Week in Nashville and Davidson County.
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WHEREAS, International Dark Sky week is an annual event founded in 2003 by then high school student Jennifer Barlow as a way to raise awareness about light pollution’s many negative effects; and
WHEREAS, this week is held during the week of the new moon in April and has become a worldwide event and a key component of Global Astronomy Month; and
WHEREAS, darkness is needed for a restful night’s sleep and for astronomical study of the stars, and the night plays a crucial role in protecting healthy wildlife ecosystems, advancing science and exploration, and preserving cultural knowledge; and
WHEREAS, with the rapid rise of light pollution, we risk losing the natural night we rely on alongside our view of the stars; and
WHEREAS, in the United States and Europe, 99% of people live under a light-polluted sky; globally, it is a third of the entire population, yet few are aware of its impact; and
WHEREAS, the damage of excessive artificial light at night goes far beyond blocking our view of the stars and disrupting wildlife's migratory patterns-its significant impacts on human quality of life warrant far more attention. These impacts are often overlooked or falsely written off as the cost of keeping a community safe despite a lack of evidence that brighter is better; and
WHEREAS, light pollution is destroying natural darkness with severe consequences. Scientists link light pollution to global insect decline, the death of millions of migrating birds, increased carbon emissions, and human disease; and
WHEREAS, International Dark Sky Week raises awareness of light pollution and provides solutions to protect dark skies while enjoying quality outdoor lighting, and International Dark Sky Week events will be celebrated across the globe to help raise awareness of the benefits of community-friendly lighting and our heritage of dark skies; and
WHEREAS, Dark Sky International has educational material and instructions on how to perform a home/business lighting assessment at DarkSky.org; and
WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Department of Parks and Recreation has spring programs supporting the appreciation of and education about the night sky including Sky parties at Beaman Park and Warner Park; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize International Dark Skies Week to bring awareness to the costs of light pollution.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the week of April 21 through 28, 2025 as International Dark Sky Week and further encourages residents and businesses to observe the week by turning off unnecessary lighting each night and pledging to perform a home/business lighting assessment to identify areas where better lighting design and controls can reduce the impact of artificial light on human health and the environment.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.