Interview with Johan Eklöf

In conversation with Johan Eklöf

Johan Eklöf

PhD - Writer & bat expert

In this conversation, we speak with Johan Eklöf, writer & bat expert, author of The Darkness Manifesto, to explore how artificial light at night affects both human health and wildlife. Eklöf shares his insights into why preserving natural darkness is essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems and restoring our connection with the night.

foto farola CANVIAR

amb bitxets CANVIAR

How can we strike a balance between the need for urban lighting and the preservation of natural darkness for both wildlife and human health?

This is difficult. In urban and high-traffic areas we will always need light. But if we can choose to preserve certain parks and areas where little or no light is used, we can allow other areas to be brighter. By using directed, shielded, and warm-toned lighting with low intensity everywhere, the overall lighting and skyglow will be reduced. Also, implementing adaptive lighting, such as motion-activated lights is a way to avoid light when no one is there to see it anyway.

How does light pollution impact human health, and how might reducing it benefit both people and wildlife?

Artificial light at night disrupts sleep cycles, affects melatonin production, and increases health risks as circadian rythms and the immune system is disrupted. Reducing light pollution improves sleep and keeps the natural body rhythm. In nature, light affects everything from sleep and feeding patterns to migration and mating. Depending on the the time of the day and year, different light cues trigger different behaviours. Sometimes even subtle changes in the light regime can have huge effects on wildlife. Therefore, a reduced amount of artificial light at night is crucial for the night ecology.

How can outdoor lighting companies reduce light pollution without compromising design or safety? What technologies show the most promise?

As long as a lighting designer is involved, it probably benefits the function of the light. There are so many lights in the world which are put up without thought. They are often too bright, wrongly directed and just blinding. For every new light we must ask ourselves, do we really need it? If the answer is yes, what is the function? The focus should be on adaptative lighting, smart systems, and spectrum-adjusted LEDs. Technologies like dimmable and warm-color LEDs help minimize pollution and are probably more human-friendly too.

In your book, you highlight the impact of light pollution on various species. Which species do you think are most at risk from artificial lighting, and why? How could we design specific solutions to minimize our impact on the environment?

All animals and plants are affected more or less, but of course night active species are more directly affected. The effect on insects is huge as they are fooled by the light and cannot escape the light traps. Bats and other truly nocturnal animals rely on darkness for protection, why light disturbes their natural habitats. Solutions include reducing blue light, directing light downward, and limiting unnecessary nighttime lighting. Dark Sky reserves and dark corridors may be necessary, but the most important thing is to reduce the excess light we use, and try to keep the night at least a few hours long.

In terms of technology, what innovations or current designs do you see as key to reducing light pollution while maintaining efficient and attractive lighting?

Existing technology, like motion sensors, tunable LED spectra, and coatings that reduce light spread are essential innovations. Other innovations include reflecting materials. Lighter streets reflect natural light, which means that we can use less intense lighting. Future technlogy, such as infrared car headlights and smart wind shields, make lights on cars and motorways unnecessary.

What role can communities or individuals play in reducing light pollution in their local areas? How could our products or designs empower people to create darker, more environmentally friendly spaces?

Raising awareness of both health and ecosystem issues, creating dark zones, and choosing energy-efficient lighting. Companies can provide sustainable and customizable lighting solutions. Simple timers make a huge difference. Encourage energy and light savings, introduce an eco-label for night-friendly products.

Can you share examples of cities or successful projects where the implementation of sustainable outdoor lighting technologies significantly reduced light pollution? Are there any successful case studies where light pollution was reduced, and biodiversity was restored in specific areas?

By combining legislation, technological innovation, and adaptive lighting solutions, light pollution can be reduced as shown in some cities in the world. Flagstaff (Arizona) was the world’s first Dark Sky City, implementing strict outdoor lighting regulations to preserve the night sky. Amsterdam is in the middle of the most lightpolluted area in Europe, but has now introduced motion sensors that dim or turn off lights when not needed. In France, national laws set the limits for the amount of light in certain areas and also require commercial signs and streetlights to be turned off at night. In Yellowstone, shielded light is used to preserve the nature at night and in Spain, astro tourist places promote strict use of light to restore natural darkness.

In the future, do you envision a world where cities embrace darkness and nightscapes, or do you think the trend of constant lighting is too entrenched to reverse?

I see two parallell trends. The trend toward dark-sky-friendly cities is growing (but is slow and needs policy changes and innovation) and also astro and night tourism is on the rise. People seek darkness and calm. At the same time, light pollution continues to spread, and safety is a big issue. But I think we will see more Dark Sky parks and reserves in the future and that darkess will be a natural part of preserving and restoring nature.

Hallo Freund,

Wir schlagen vor

Interview with Johan Eklöf