Light pollution affects more than astronomers. Streetlights that shine upwards or into windows disturb sleep, and research suggests that artificial light at night confuses migrating birds and disrupts the breeding patterns of insects. Some cities have responded by fitting shields to lamps so that light points only at the ground, and by dimming lights after midnight. These measures reduce energy bills as well as glare, which has helped win support from councils otherwise indifferent to wildlife. Resistance remains: residents fear that darker streets will increase crime, though studies have so far found no clear link between street lighting levels and crime rates. Perhaps for this reason, the most successful schemes are those that explain their purpose to residents before the lamps are changed.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. They explain their purpose to residents first

  1. Step 1: The final sentence says so.
Answer
They explain their purpose to residents first.
Why not the others: Switching lights off, residents paying and astronomer leadership are not stated.

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