Sprawl of the Fireflies

This is the view looking towards the northeast from Monte Sano at dawn, about 45 minutes before sunrise.  My wife thinks it's pretty.  You might too.  I'd prefer it without the lights — because it isn't fireflies.  It's urban sprawl.

I live in urban sprawl so I'm not complaining about it.  I simply want to ask a question: What are we lighting up so we can see it at 4:50AM?  It's a serious question I hope you will consider.  What justifies the expense?  What justifies the use of energy?  Security? Convenience?  Are we just afraid of the dark?  I didn't see another soul as I drove out of the neighborhood this morning.  But the streetlights were on.  Why? 

Nikon D7200 — Nikon 18-300mm F6.3 ED VR

116mm

F8@1/20th

GND filter

(DOL_4235)

©Don Brown 2021