The Dark Side of Light:A Transdisciplinary Research Agenda for Light Pollution Policy

Ecology and Society

Axel Schwope¹  Andreas Hänel²  Jürgen Fischer³  Reinhard Klenke⁴  SteffenFranke⁵  DirkUhrlandt⁵  Peter M. Kappeler⁶  Timothy Moss⁷  Christian C. Voigt⁸  Klement Tockner⁹  Christian Wolter⁹  Franz Hölker⁹  Werner Kloas⁹  Barbara Griefahn^1,10  Stephan Völker^1,11  DietrichHenckel^1,12 

[1] Astrophysikalisches Institut Potsdam;Dark Sky Germany, Museum am Schölerberg, Osnabrück;Freie Universität Berlin, Institute for Space Sciences;Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, UFZ, Leipzig;Leibniz Institute for Plasma Science and Technology, Greifswald;Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, Göttingen;Leibniz Institute for Regional Development and Structural Planning, Erkner;Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Berlin;Leibniz Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, Berlin;Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors, Dortmund;Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Energy and Automation Technology, Berlin;Technische Universität Berlin, Department of Urban and Regional Planning;

关键词: artificial light;    energy efficiency;    lighting concept;    light pollution;    nightscape;    policy;    sustainability;    transdisciplinary;   

DOI  :  10.5751/ES-03685-150413

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Although the invention and widespread use of artificial light is clearly one of the most important human technological advances, the transformation of nightscapes is increasingly recognized as having adverse effects. Night lighting may have serious physiological consequences for humans, ecological and evolutionary implications for animal and plant populations, and may reshape entire ecosystems. However, knowledge on the adverse effects of light pollution is vague. In response to climate change and energy shortages, many countries, regions, and communities are developing new lighting programs and concepts with a strong focus on energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions. Given the dramatic increase in artificial light at night (0 - 20% per year, depending on geographic region), we see an urgent need for light pollution policies that go beyond energy efficiency to include human well-being, the structure and functioning of ecosystems, and inter-related socioeconomic consequences. Such a policy shift will require a sound transdisciplinary understanding of the significance of the night, and its loss, for humans and the natural systems upon which we depend. Knowledge is also urgently needed on suitable lighting technologies and concepts which are ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable. Unless managing darkness becomes an integral part of future conservation and lighting policies, modern society may run into a global self-experiment with unpredictable outcomes.

【 授权许可】

Unknown