{"id":14903,"date":"2020-10-22T06:35:26","date_gmt":"2020-10-22T13:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/?p=14903"},"modified":"2023-08-23T23:49:17","modified_gmt":"2023-08-24T06:49:17","slug":"josh-dury-raising-a-profile-for-the-dark-sky-movement-in-the-uks-climate-capital","status":"publish","type":"darksky_news","link":"https:\/\/darksky.org\/news\/josh-dury-raising-a-profile-for-the-dark-sky-movement-in-the-uks-climate-capital\/","title":{"rendered":"Josh Dury: Raising a profile for the dark sky movement in the UK\u2019s climate capital"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Each month DarkSky International features a DarkSky Advocate from the worldwide network of volunteers who are working to protect the night. This month we\u2019re highlighting the work of DarkSky Delegate Josh Dury.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Josh Dury was recently selected as a delegate of DarkSky International to represent Bristol and South-West England. <\/span>His work has been instrumental in raising public awareness about light pollution’s impacts on the natural world. In fact, he was recently interviewed by both <\/span>BBC Points West<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>BBC Radio Somerset<\/span><\/a>. These interviews subsequently brought a lot of visibility to the issues associated with artificial light at night. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a delegate for DarkSky, Josh hopes to raise the dark sky movement profile in Bristol \u2014 the UK\u2019s Climate Capital. Here, he plans to negotiate with local representatives, Mayors, and MP\u2019s to address the lighting crisis. Also, he hopes to focus on continuing to provide a platform for light pollution awareness.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

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Long exposure composition of star trails over Glastonbury Tor, Somerset. Credit: Josh Dury<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

From photographer to DarkSky Advocate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Josh initially became aware of light pollution impacts while he was studying for his photography degree in Bristol.\u00a0 This later fueled his passion for filmmaking. Around this time, the BBC\u2019s Natural History Unit broadcast a nature documentary series called Blue Planet II<\/a>. The series brought attention to the plastic crisis and its impact on the natural world. This helped Josh recognize that light pollution is not being considered in the climate crisis.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This realization inspired Josh to create a short film called <\/span>\u201cBack to the Light.\u201d<\/span><\/a> The goal was to raise awareness about the impacts of light pollution. The film focused on the many impacts of light pollution, including hindering astronomers’ ability to observe the night sky, wildlife conservation, and human health. When Josh created this film, he worked with local collaborators, including The Commission for Dark Skies (CfDS), The Starlit Skies Alliance, and Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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