Towards a bright future?
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This document discusses light pollution and its management. It begins by defining light pollution as artificial light that prevents the observation of celestial objects, alters natural light patterns in ecosystems, and causes adverse health effects. Light pollution is an important issue as artificial light emissions are increasing globally and causing problems for astronomy, human health, ecosystems, culture, and the economy. The document then examines perspectives on light pollution from an online survey conducted in Finland. It identifies common sources of light pollution and actions people take to reduce their exposure or influence lighting decisions. Finally, it proposes a "systems intelligence" approach to better address challenges around increasing light use, conflicts over outdoor lighting, and shifting public understanding of night environments.
Towards a bright future?
- 1. Towards a bright future? The systems intelligent perspective on the management of light pollution Jari Lyytimäki Finnish Environment Institute SYKE, Environmental Policy Centre Future Infinite Academic: Sustainable Futures in a Changing Climate 1112 June 2014, Helsinki, Finland Photo ©Moon-WillowStock
- 2. ● Prevention of observation of celestial objects caused by artificial light ● Artificial light that alters the natural patterns of light and dark in ecosystems ● Light-at-night that causes adverse health effects ● Artificial lighting that may cause harm to humans or nature 2 What is light pollution? photo: Wikimedia commmons, Mike GL, CC-BY-2.0
- 3. Why is light pollution important? ● A global change: neglected ”grand challenge” ● Light emissions are increasing ● Causing various adverse effects on ○ Astronomy ○ Human health ○ Ecosystems ○ Culture ○ Economy ● Affected by rapid technological change (LEDs) ● Largely uncontrolled environmental stressor
- 4. 3.12.2014
- 5. The most easy-to-see global change Alaotsikko tai ingressi ● Ensimmäinen taso ○ toinen taso • kolmas taso 5
- 6. Material & method ● Online survey in Finland (Nov. 2011-Feb. 2012, N=2,053) ● 20 likert-scale statements focusing on views about light pollution and use of lighting ● Three open ended questions: ○ When and where have you experienced light pollution as being particularly disturbing? What was the source of artificial light? ○ In what kinds of places have you experienced natural dimness or darkness as pleasant? ○ Have you attempted to reduce the light pollution or exposure to the disturbing light? How?
- 8. The most common sources of light pollution
- 9. 9 Type of action Examples Minimizing the exposure to light by changing own location Avoiding over-illuminated places (e.g. city centres) Changing the place of residence to the countryside Jogging and outdoor exercising in areas with no lighting Keeping insides in order to avoid disturbing light Minimizing the exposure to light by forestalling light trespass or glare Use of blinding curtains in windows Use of sleeping eye patches Building constructs or planting trees or bushes that block the light Using sunglasses or hats when driving or walking. Covering the signal lights of electric devices Closing the eyes or looking away from light source Consumer choices Avoiding the purchase of powerful lights and decorative lights Boycotting of fruits that have been grown in greenhouses Favouring of public transportation Prudent use of lights Switching off outdoor lights during the night hours Use of time switches, movement detectors and dimmers Avoidance of blinking LED-lights (e.g. bicycle lights) Careful use of car headlights and fog lights Favouring dim and comfortable overall lighting Using bright lights only where and when absolutely necessary
- 10. Type of action Examples Reducing the need for illumination Timing of outdoor activities according the natural light Making use of the moonlight Using reflectors to mark safe routes Avoidance of night-time car use Getting accustomed to natural light Teaching the children to cope without extensive lighting Learning away from unnecessary fear of darkness Spending a week without artificial light Favouring natural sources of light and candle light Influencing the lighting decisions Participation in housing cooperative boards Direct contacts with municipal authorities Direct contacts with those responsible of lighting (e.g. sport fields) Giving comments to the environmental permit processes Increasing awareness about light pollution Writing letters to the editor to the newspapers Informing decision makers Discussions with neighbours and work colleagues Getting attention to the term “light pollution”
- 11. Towards a systems intelligent light pollution management? ● Systems intelligence emphasizes personal and active involvement with systems characterised by complex cross-scale interactions and non-linear feedbacks ● Asks how an individual can understand the system and change it ● Search for systemic leverage points opening up positive development paths ● Can be seen as an approach for preventing and managing conflicts that arise when different preferences of the use of outdoor space collide ● A focus on systems intelligence on a household level does not imply that the individual citizens are alone responsible for systemic changes. http://systemsintelligence.aalto.fi/
- 12. Systems intelligence approach may help to address: ● Rebound effects related to increasing use of cost-efficient lighting technologies ● Reverse tragedy of commons related to the darkness and lighting ● Shifting baselines related to public understanding of night environment D. Robert CC BY-SA 2.0 12
- 13. “For eons people have gazed at the skies and seen into their souls” Lisa Simpson The Simpsons, Season 14, Episode 16: “Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky”.
- 14. References ● Lyytimäki J., Rinne J. (2013). Voices for the darkness: Online survey on public perceptions on light pollution as an environmental problem. Journal of Integrative Environmental Sciences 10(2): 127-139. ● Lyytimäki J. (2013). Nature's nocturnal services: light pollution as a non-recognised challenge for ecosystem services research and management. Ecosystem Services 3: e44-e48. ● Rinne J., Lyytimäki, J. (2012). Vaivaako valosaaste? Verkkokyselyn tulosten yhteenveto. Suomen ympäristökeskuksen raportteja 24/2012. Suomen ympäristökeskus, Helsinki. http://hdl.handle.net/10138/39849 14 Benjamin Stäudinger CC-BY-2.0
Editor's Notes
- #14: TV-series The Simpsons, Season 14, Episode 16: “Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky”. First aired March 30, 2003