"Have you ever been driving and had a car approach with its brights on? Building lights have the same disconcerting and dangerous impact on birds. The bright lights shining from city buildings at night increase the likelihood of these incidents by drawing birds closer to buildings and causing disorientation, which often leads to fatal injuries. Cornell Lab of Ornithology's research shows that more than 250,000 birds are killed in New York City each year as a result of building collisions, and that is an underestimate."
"Two-thirds of North American birds are already at risk of extinction from climate change. If we allow these preventable deaths to continue, many bird species will be pushed even closer to the brink; the numerous species of plants and predators that rely on birds for their own survival will follow close behind. Protecting birds also protects New York's climate resiliency. Birds serve as pollinators, seed dispersers, and natural pest control."
Int. 0896 would require privately owned commercial buildings and large retailers over 4,000 square feet to turn off non-essential lights at night. Powering off artificial nighttime lighting during spring and fall migrations reduces bird collisions and fatalities. Bright city building lights draw birds closer and cause disorientation, increasing fatal injuries; more than 250,000 birds die annually in New York City from collisions, an underestimate. Two-thirds of North American birds face extinction risk from climate change. Protecting bird populations sustains pollination, seed dispersal, pest control, and helps urban green spaces and overall climate resiliency.
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