The increase in world population, together with growing urbanisation, has led to a significant raise in the use of artificial lighting both indoors and outdoors at night, resulting in light pollution, which has a negative impact on the natural environment and the well-being of living organisms, including human beings.

This artificial light at night (ALAN) has increased over time due to industrialisation, urbanisation, and population growth. ALAN disrupts ecosystems, harms wildlife, affects human health, and obscures the night sky. Mitigation measures, such as energy-efficient LED lighting and 'Dark Infrastructure' to create dark corridors for sensitive species, are necessary to address the problem. 

Although these energy-efficient technologies can help mitigate light pollution, factors such as colour, timing, positioning and shielding must be considered. Legislative approaches and stakeholder involvement are crucial for managing ALAN's ecological impact.

This Future Brief primarily focuses on lighting design adaptations and measures targeting sensitive habitats or taxa while highlighting current local government and community efforts to mitigate ALAN.

Click here to read the Future Brief