How to measure light pollution—A systematic review of methods and applications

Sustainable Cities and Society, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 92, P. 104465 - 104465

Published: Feb. 17, 2023

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is ever-present in modern society and has revolutionised our lives. Along with its many benefits, ALAN can have adverse effects that are studied across fields, including astronomy, epidemiology, ecology. This paper collates multi-disciplinary knowledge on measuring pollution through a systematic review of 140 articles. The measurement tools used each context comprehensively discussed, gaps identified current techniques, benchmarking information provided to aid future research. It found no single device meets all objectives, opportunities exist for further development, such as refining low-cost imaging tools. highlights tool's limitations must be acknowledged avoid incorrect conclusions. Thorough experimental reporting, details instrument location aiming, also essential the replication Collaboration needed develop unified units terminologies rather than maintaining disciplinary silos. will enable keep pace lighting technologies growing pollution.

Language: Английский

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Light pollution of freshwater ecosystems: principles, ecological impacts and remedies

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 378(1892)

Published: Oct. 29, 2023

Light pollution caused by artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasingly recognized as a major driver of global environmental change. Since emissions are rapidly growing in an urbanizing world and half the human population lives close to freshwater shoreline, rivers lakes ever more exposed worldwide. However, although conditions critical aquatic species, freshwaters biodiversity hotspots vital well-being, only small fraction studies conducted on ALAN focus these ecosystems. The effects broad concern all levels biodiversity. Experiments have demonstrated diverse behavioural physiological responses even low levels. Prominent examples skyglow diel vertical migration zooplankton suppression melatonin production fish. vary widely among taxa, suggesting consequences for species distribution patterns, potential create novel communities across ecosystem boundaries, cascading functioning. Understanding, predicting alleviating ecological impacts requires solid consideration physical properties propagating water multitude biological responses. This knowledge urgently needed develop innovative lighting concepts, mitigation strategies specifically targeted measures. article part theme issue ‘Light complex systems’.

Language: Английский

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How to light up the night? The impact of city park lighting on visitors’ sense of safety and preferences

Urban forestry & urban greening, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 89, P. 128124 - 128124

Published: Oct. 27, 2023

Language: Английский

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Rethinking Sustainable Cities at Night: Paradigm Shifts in Urban Design and City Lighting

Sustainability, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 14(10), P. 6062 - 6062

Published: May 17, 2022

Since the establishment of 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by United Nations General Assembly in 2015, various perspectives on sustainable cities have been developed and adopted order to achieve a better more future. However, background research has revealed that these goals targets are limited because they do not take into account growing body lighting-related diverse fields impact outdoor illumination humans, flora fauna. Recently, exterior lighting also linked environmental degradation as an indirect contributor current climate change emergency. Therefore, this study aims, using online interviews with over 50 experts who work field artificial light at night (ALAN), assess whether SDG objectives adequately reflect latest knowledge about cities. The Elsevier 2021 mapping matrix was used find correlation between keywords define each group international experts. This suggests there missing SDGs, especially 11, connected communities. It offers useful guidance how rethink existing approach aim for sustainability, applying eight (8) key aspects urban healthier environmentally responsible illumination, means correct design process, along five-step strategic plan action. crucial role multidisciplinary interdisciplinary collaboration outlined, via inclusion new actors such professionals researchers, currently absent important discourse.

Language: Английский

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The Influence of the Public Lighting Environment on Local Residents’ Subjective Assessment

Applied Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 14(3), P. 1234 - 1234

Published: Feb. 1, 2024

Sustainable development and energy savings are crucial to the significant worldwide trend in smart city-related research projects. In this regard, public lighting systems have great energy-saving potential. Nevertheless, while citizen engagement is a key element of most conceptualisations cities, many projects fail take account citizen’s viewpoint. Applying citizen-centric design model, objective study examine affective impressions local residents luminous environments their areas, taking activities they carry out there. Kansei Engineering employed connect elements with citizens’ responses. Lighting 18 urban spaces were evaluated by 310 residents. The results show that subjective assessments evaluation can be explained following dimensions: Expressive-interesting, Innovative-efficient, Defined-sufficient, Formal-uniform Glaring. relationship these dimensions social shows should generate, residents, sensations consistent nature activities. Urban must create feeling innovation (being up-to-date contemporary) if it seen as caring for environment. These findings may valuable governments, architects, engineers, designers when developing strategies ensure designs being efficient, sustainable, environmentally friendly.

Language: Английский

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Does artificial light interfere with the activity of nocturnal mammals? An experimental study using road underpasses

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 302, P. 110960 - 110960

Published: Jan. 15, 2025

Language: Английский

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Exploring urban lighting design effect on citizens´ emotions through the application of Kansei methodology

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Feb. 17, 2025

Purpose This study focuses on urban lighting design, exploring its effect citizens´ emotions. A methodology based Kansei engineering is developed in response to the question: How does of facades within space influence people’s emotions? Design/methodology/approach Outdoor design a multidisciplinary topic that involves, among other aspects, energy savings, protection nocturnal biodiversity and profitability, all which are important functional regulatory requirements. However, they do not necessarily consider user needs, make perception emotional difficult parameters process. The studies carried out impact emotions have mainly been done indoors. objective this work propose evaluate illuminated with purpose providing knowledge create emotionally efficient luminous spaces improve well-being. instrument used was survey (online questionnaires), engineering, created incorporate variable product design. research participants from Peru, Spain Germany. results collected reaction different types night-time presented, contributes better understanding needs activities regarding space. intended help designers meet their expectations. Findings method has made establishing relationships between sensations experienced physical characteristics possible. From point view outdoor planning, can contribute space, serving as guide specialists when making decisions thus meeting Therefore, it considered very useful recommended only beginning projects but also applicable master plans. approach, performing simultaneous analysis requirements (architectural, psychological, biological, environmental social) intervene first phases project, will allow qualitative solutions aimed at satisfaction night comprehensive view, generated enables identifying quantitative values (luminous technical descriptors) (aesthetic descriptors), both decisive instruments measuring satisfaction. Research limitations/implications Participants were Germany, Peru Spain. Originality/value Traditionally, aiming responses environment comes field psychology or considering could effectively cater specific needs.

Language: Английский

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Artifical night light intensity modulates herbivory and phytochemistry in European beech

Journal of Applied Ecology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 26, 2025

Abstract Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a recognized threat not only to urban areas but also more remote habitats including forests. Advancements in LED technology offer potential for streetlight infrastructure with minimized disruptive impact on ecosystems. Light dimming ranges among the most promising ALAN‐mitigation measures. Despite being essential understanding ALAN effects ecosystems, little known about how may affect bottom‐up interactions, such as those between plants and herbivores. We conducted forest‐located experiment potted European beech saplings ( Fagus sylvatica L.) that lasted 43 nights. studied of different intensities i.e. 70 lx (100% intensity), 35 (50% 21 (30% intensity) dark control leaf morphological chemical traits, insect herbivory links light‐induced changes traits herbivory. The 100% 50% intensity treatments caused an increase average area reduced specific area. induced specialised metabolome, mainly affecting flavonols. Responses individual metabolites were highly variable, many already responding 30% intensity. Insect was under reduction correlated ALAN‐related phytochemistry. Synthesis applications : Our findings indicate reducing (dimming) step towards sustainable outdoor lighting mitigate tree‐herbivore interactions. However, physiology, phytochemistry detectable even high levels. varying responses across trophic levels highlight challenge optimizing parameters order minimize impacts species To address this challenge, our study advocates increased collaboration ecologists engineers.

Language: Английский

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Toward a Spectrophotometric Characterization of the Chilean Night Sky. A First Quantitative Assessment of ALAN across the Coquimbo Region

The Astronomical Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 167(2), P. 67 - 67

Published: Jan. 19, 2024

Abstract Light pollution is recognized as a global issue that, like other forms of anthropogenic pollution, has significant impact on ecosystems and adverse effects living organisms. Plentiful evidence suggests that it been increasing at an unprecedented rate all spatial scales. Chile—which, thanks to its unique environmental conditions, become one the most prominent astronomical hubs world—seems be no exception. In this paper we present results first observing campaign aimed quantifying artificial lights night brightness colors Chilean sky. Through analysis photometrically calibrated all-sky images captured four representative sites with degree anthropization, comparison state-of-the-art numerical models, show levels light have already altered appearance natural sky even in remote areas. Our observations reveal level recorded small town Coquimbo Region comparable Flagstaff, Arizona, ten times larger Dark Sky city, mid-size urban area gateway Atacama Desert displays photometric indicators quality are typical densely populated regions Europe. suggest there still much done Chile keep under control thus preserve darkness sky—a cultural heritage our responsibility protect.

Language: Английский

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Artificial Light at Night and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes & Metabolism Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 48(5), P. 847 - 863

Published: Sept. 13, 2024

The widespread and pervasive use of artificial light at night (ALAN) in our modern 24-hour society has emerged as a substantial disruptor natural circadian rhythms, potentially leading to rise unhealthy lifestyle-related behaviors (e.g., poor sleep; shift work). This phenomenon been associated with an increased risk type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is pressing global public health concern. However, date, reviews summarizing associations between ALAN T2DM have primarily focused on the limited characteristics exposure intensity) ALAN. literature review extends beyond prior by consolidating recent studies from 2000 2024 regarding both indoor outdoor incidence or prevalence T2DM. We also described potential biological mechanisms through modulates glucose metabolism. Furthermore, we outlined knowledge gaps investigated how various only intensity (including type, timing, duration, wavelength, individual sensitivity) influence risk. Recognizing detrimental impact sleep behavioral correlates physical activity dietary patterns, additionally summarized investigating mediating role each component relationship Lastly, proposed implications chronotherapies chrononutrition for management context exposure.

Language: Английский

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