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15 - Light Effects across Species in Nature

A Focus on Solutions

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 October 2023

By
Kevin J. Gaston  and
Johanna H. Meijer
Edited by
Laura K. Fonken  and
Randy J. Nelson
Laura K. Fonken
Affiliation:
University of Texas, Austin
Randy J. Nelson
Affiliation:
West Virginia University
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Summary

Artificial light at night (ALAN) puts major pressure on the natural environment. There are five main ways of mitigating its biological impacts: avoidance of using ALAN, minimizing ALAN use, restoring or rehabilitating areas from ALAN, and offsetting the use of ALAN. Their potential effectiveness can be better understood through careful consideration of how organisms respond to light. Here we focus particularly on responses to altering recurring natural periods of light and darkness that affect the internal clock of organisms. All clocks are light sensitive and, depending on the photoreceptors of the organism, they show maximal responsiveness to different wavelengths, from UV to near infrared. Moreover, they show a high light-sensitivity, with a threshold at about intensities occurring during full moon or even less. This suggests that minimizing the use of ALAN through dimming of emissions and reducing the daily periods for which those lamps are in use may provide valuable benefits. However, if the biological effects of ALAN are to be widely reduced additional measures will need to be taken, including strengthening protection of the remaining dark spaces, reducing numbers of existing lights and restoring darkness in previously lit areas, and extensive shielding of those lights that are retained.

Keywords

circadianclocklight pollutionmitigationspectra
Type
Chapter
Information
Biological Implications of Circadian Disruption
A Modern Health Challenge
 , pp. 338 - 355
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2023

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