University of Exeter completed a study that dates over 13 years, recording the budding. Researchers cross-referenced the data collected by volunteers. Meanwhile, night-time satellite images are also studied to understand the light pollution level in different areas, reported Dainly Mail.

Researchers found that light poses greater influence than temperature on the timing of bub activities. Professor Richard Ffrench-Constant, who leads the research, said that winter months were impacted by the light pollution.

Caterpillars should hatch at the right time when newly budded leaves spring out, and birds should hatch in time to feed on the young caterpillars, said Ffrench-Constant. He added that the researchers found that red lighting is the light source that poses the greatest impact to the environment. Meanwhile, it’s not likely that “smart lighting” can have positive influence to the nature.

Adrian Spalding of Spalding Associates, a Cornwall-based environmental consultancy, said that the research revealed concerns of impacts lighting has on urban environment.

Researchers found that the amount of artificial light is growing by 6% per year. Light pollution also keeps the city from seeing stars in the night sky while studies shown that artificial light can disrupt sleep patterns.