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Working with Inadequate Tools: Legislative Shortcomings in Protection against Ecological Effects of Artificial Light at Night

Author

Listed:
  • Sibylle Schroer

    (Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany)

  • Benedikt John Huggins

    (Institute for Environmental and Planning Law, University of Münster (WWU), 48143 Münster, Germany)

  • Clementine Azam

    (Agence Etudes Seine-Nord, Office National des Forêts, 7300 Fontainebleau, France)

  • Franz Hölker

    (Leibniz-Institute of Freshwater Ecology and Inland Fisheries, 12587 Berlin, Germany)

Abstract

The fundamental change in nocturnal landscapes due to the increasing use of artificial light at night (ALAN) is recognized as being detrimental to the environment and raises important regulatory questions as to whether and how it should be regulated based on the manifold risks to the environment. Here, we present the results of an analysis of the current legal obligations on ALAN in context with a systematic review of adverse effects. The legal analysis includes the relevant aspects of European and German environmental law, specifically nature conservation and immission control. The review represents the results of 303 studies indicating significant disturbances of organisms and landscapes. We discuss the conditions for prohibitions by environmental laws and whether protection gaps persist and, hence, whether specific legislation for light pollution is necessary. While protection is predominantly provided for species with special protection status that reveal avoidance behavior of artificially lit landscapes and associated habitat loss, adverse effects on species and landscapes without special protection status are often unaddressed by existing regulations. Legislative shortcomings are caused by difficulties in proving adverse effect on the population level, detecting lighting malpractice, and applying the law to ALAN-related situations. Measures to reduce ALAN-induced environmental impacts are highlighted. We discuss whether an obligation to implement such measures is favorable for environmental protection and how regulations can be implemented.

Suggested Citation

  • Sibylle Schroer & Benedikt John Huggins & Clementine Azam & Franz Hölker, 2020. "Working with Inadequate Tools: Legislative Shortcomings in Protection against Ecological Effects of Artificial Light at Night," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-38, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:6:p:2551-:d:336342
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ann-Christin Honnen & Janina L. Kypke & Franz Hölker & Michael T. Monaghan, 2019. "Artificial Light at Night Influences Clock-Gene Expression, Activity, and Fecundity in the Mosquito Culex pipiens f. molestus," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(22), pages 1-21, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Catherine Pérez Vega & Karolina M. Zielinska-Dabkowska & Franz Hölker, 2021. "Urban Lighting Research Transdisciplinary Framework—A Collaborative Process with Lighting Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. Annika K. Jägerbrand & Constantinos A. Bouroussis, 2021. "Ecological Impact of Artificial Light at Night: Effective Strategies and Measures to Deal with Protected Species and Habitats," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-24, May.
    3. Karolina M. Zielinska-Dabkowska & Katarzyna Szlachetko & Katarzyna Bobkowska, 2021. "An Impact Analysis of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) on Bats. A Case Study of the Historic Monument and Natura 2000 Wisłoujście Fortress in Gdansk, Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-48, October.
    4. Radoslava Kanianska & Jana Škvareninová & Stanislav Kaniansky, 2020. "Landscape Potential and Light Pollution as Key Factors for Astrotourism Development: A Case Study of a Slovak Upland Region," Land, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-16, October.
    5. Antonio Peña-García & Ferdinando Salata, 2020. "The Perspective of Total Lighting as a Key Factor to Increase the Sustainability of Strategic Activities," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(7), pages 1-8, April.

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