In class we have discussed many different effects and cycles of pollution of the world and atmosphere by gases such as carbon dioxide. The atmosphere is the initial receiver, but it passes the negative effects onto the life forms of earths surface and waters. Similarly, light pollution has recently changed the way things work dramatically in the ecosystem. Like CO2, it is only very recent in the relative history of the earth that humans have been producing artificial light and the production was increased exponentially, in the same way that CO2 byproducts were and still are. The effects of light pollution are certainly less extreme, but they do disrupt the natural cycle of life in many respects. The article mentions the timing of coral spawning in the The Great Barrier Reef being out of sync since the process is dependent on the full moon. Artificial light in some places is easily confused with that of the moon, and therefore the spawning is mistimed and less effective. With reproduction on the decline, the coral that contributes so much to the life of the ecosystem could dramatically affect every other life form above it in the food chain. Another major effect of light pollution is found in the diminishing population of sea turtles. When sea turtles hatch on land, they know to travel to the farthest glow on the horizon (i.e. the moon), but again, the confusion with a nearby developed area in addition to the added light for predators to see by, results in many more baby sea turtles are not making it to the safety of the ocean. There are multiple other consequences of light pollution in our ecosystem including that which affects humans’ circadian rhythm by decreasing the production of melatonin.  Although these side effects are not as impending as those from CO2 pollution, they should receive attention especially since they are already affecting humans directly.