[2026] PTE Academic Reading - Multiple Choice, Single Answer

While the global discourse on environmental preservation typically focuses on carbon emissions and plastic waste, the subtler threat of light pollution has largely escaped public scrutiny. The rapid transition to high-intensity LED streetlights has undeniably improved energy efficiency, yet it has also flooded the night with blue-rich light that disrupts the circadian rhythms of nearly all living organisms. For humans, this chronic exposure suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone critical for sleep regulation and immune system health. Beyond human health, the erosion of true darkness has devastating consequences for biodiversity, particularly for migratory birds and sea turtles that rely on celestial cues for navigation. Proponents of increased urban illumination argue that brighter streets are a prerequisite for public safety and economic vitality. However, this utilitarian perspective ignores the fact that glare often creates deep shadows that actually decrease visibility, while the loss of the night sky severs our ancestral connection to the cosmos. To mitigate this crisis, urban planners must move beyond a philosophy of 'more is better' and adopt darkness-aware lighting strategies that prioritize both human needs and ecological integrity.