ADVERTISING
The lower nature conservation authority provides information about risks and gives tips for environmentally friendly lighting.
For many people, nighttime lighting has long been a part of everyday life – on properties, along paths, in cities, or on commercial buildings. Modern lighting technology provides safety and atmosphere, but the increasing brightness of the nights does not come without consequences. Experts refer to this as light pollution : artificial light that brightens natural darkness and significantly impacts ecosystems.
Insects become disoriented and die at lamps.
Nocturnal insects that navigate by the moon and stars are particularly affected. Artificial light – especially blue and UV-containing light – strongly attracts them. Many insects circle lamps until they are exhausted and die before they can pollinate plants. This has consequences for entire food chains.
Birds and plants are also at risk.
Birds are also at risk. Light leaking out from inside the building repeatedly causes collisions with window panes. Shining lights on tall buildings at night is particularly risky: migratory birds fly lower in bad weather and orient themselves by bright facades – sometimes with fatal consequences.
Plants also react sensitively:
– Trees retain their leaves longer, which increases the risk of frost damage.
– Flowering times shift, and natural processes are disrupted.
In humans, too much artificial light can disrupt the sleep rhythm and impair well-being.
The light dome over cities
The visible brightening of the sky is primarily caused by light that is emitted or reflected upwards in an undirected manner. Scattered in the atmosphere, it makes stars appear faint and alters the natural night sky.
How to reduce light pollution
The Lower Nature Conservation Authority points out that even simple measures can help:
- Motion detectors or timers prevent unnecessary continuous lighting.
- Shielded lamps direct light downwards.
- Warm white light sources (≤ 3000 K) attract significantly fewer insects.
- Closed enclosures prevent overheating and protect animals – they should not heat up above 60 °C.
- Principle: Only as much light as necessary and only where it is truly needed.
Those who consciously reduce outdoor lighting not only protect nature – but often also regain a view of a starry sky.
Further information on environmentally friendly outdoor lighting is available from the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation at:
https://www.bfn.de/projektsteckbriefe/artenschutz-durch-umwelt - beleuchtung
(RED/PSGG)
