EU want to reduce the ecological threat from urban light

“In large parts of Europe, there are hardly any dark places left, which poses a threat to many light-sensitive species and organisms,” says Annika Jägerbrand, a senior lecturer in biology at University of Gävle.

The ecological threat from light pollution in Europe has since the beginning of industrialisation increased by 49 percent or more. Moreover, satellite images show that between 2014 and 2021 dark areas decreased significantly, by five percent.

Annika Jägerbrand, a leading researcher in the field, has long emphasized the need for restrictions on our excessive use of artificial lighting. Now, the EU takes action on the basis of Annika Jägerbrand’s research.

“Up till now, to protect nature, different countries have come up with their own solutions to reduce light pollution. Clearly, there is a lot of artificial lighting everywhere, and, globally, the increase is extreme,” Annika Jägerbrand says.

Science External link., one of the world's top-ranked scientific journals, recently highlighted the increasing light pollution and the significant changes in ecosystems it causes. These changes include further reductions in numbers of insects, loss of habitats for nocturnal mammals, disruptions to species' circadian rhythms, and impacts on migrating species.

“Our research clearly shows that light pollution affects animals and biodiversity, interfering with behaviour, migration, and reproduction,” Annika Jägerbrand says.

The Eu takes action

The EU Directorate-General for Environment External link. The EU Directorate-General for Environment has now initiated mitigation measures to protect the environment and provides essential background knowledge on light pollution and its impact on wildlife and ecosystems.

“This initiative is very welcome, because previously there was little information on lighting design adaptations and few practical mitigation measures on limiting artificial light. Even countries that aimed to address light pollution lacked concrete and effective tools.”

Imagine being able to see the Milky Way again

Due to industrialisation, urbanisation, and population growth, artificial light in the night sky has increased significantly, meaning that the night sky is no longer dark for most people.

The analysis above from NOIRLab External link. illustrates the astonishing rate at which artificial light causes stars to disappear for the human eye, faster than satellite measurements indicate.

“Light pollution is a major global problem that harms the environment and human health, and it is a problem that has not received enough attention until now. It’s gratifying that the EU takes action,” Annika Jägerbrand says.

Text: Douglas Öhrbom