The state of New York is going to start to turn off all non-essential lights in state-run buildings - but the move is not to save energy and to reduce carbon. In fact, turning off the lights is designed to help birds to navigate their migratory routes in spring and autumn.
It is thought that migrating birds use the stars to navigate, but electric light can disorientate them. As a result of this disorientation, birds then crash into buildings. An estimated one billion birds are killed as a result each year in the US.
So, bright outdoor lights will be turned off in New York between 11pm and dawn in spring and autumn. In addition, several New York landmarks have signed up to the lights out programme to give the birds a much better chance of survival.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said, "This is a simple step to help protect these migrating birds that make their home in New York's forests, lakes and rivers."
