Neustadt dims instead of flashing: light pollution endangers people and animals!

Neustadt dims instead of flashing: light pollution endangers people and animals!

In Neustadt the night will be a little darker in the future. The city administration has decided to dim the street lights between 10:30 p.m. and 6:30 a.m. and to completely turn off the outdoor lighting of the town hall, the pagoda warehouse and the city church during this time. With this measure, the city not only wants to reduce light pollution, but also protect the natural day-night rhythm of people and animals. Loud LN Online This initiative is supported by a public petition from 107 people calling for less illuminated billboards and targeted regulation of light sources.

The problem of light pollution is far-reaching, but often less the focus of public discussion. Light pollution, also known as light smog, occurs when unnatural light is allowed to alter the environment and enter the atmosphere. The main cause is people, particularly through artificial lighting in cities and industrial facilities. This has consequences: it affects the health of people and animals, disrupts the sleep and orientation of nocturnal animals. Sustainability manager Lina Koop also announced that the nighttime lighting on the beach promenade between Pelzer Haken and Rettin would be reduced. For new lamps, attention is generally paid to insect-friendly light colors and suitable luminosity.

Light pollution and its consequences

The effects of light pollution are alarming. How Environmental mission reported, not only are people affected, but biodiversity also suffers from the consequences of excessive light. Nocturnal animals such as migratory birds and bats often find it difficult to navigate in illuminated areas, making it difficult for them to reproduce and feed. Light pollution can even lead to the decline of certain species by disrupting the activity times of many creatures.

A study shows that artificial light disrupts the internal clock of many organisms, endangering the health of species and entire ecosystems. The brighter the nights, the more likely the species' natural behavior is impaired. But it's not just the fauna that suffers: plants also react sensitively to artificial light, which leads to a reduction in biomass. Loud Science.de Numerous studies have shown how much light pollution can affect nature - from the nighttime activity of insects to the shedding of leaves on trees.

The city of Neustadt would like to seriously advance the initiative to reduce light pollution. In addition to the planned education of the population, it is important that companies also actively participate in these efforts. The focus here is on the targeted alignment of the lights, the use of warm white light colors and the introduction of motion detectors in less frequented areas. A step in the right direction to protect the city’s nighttime image and the health of its residents and wildlife.”