Abstract
The application of lighting technologies developed in the 20th century has increased the brightness and changed the spectral composition of nocturnal night-time habitats and night skies across urban, peri-urban, rural, and pristine landscapes, and subsequently, researchers have observed the disturbance of biological rhythms of flora and fauna. To reduce these impacts, it is essential to translate relevant knowledge about the potential adverse effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) from research into applicable urban lighting practice. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify and report, via a systematic review, the effects of exposure to different physical properties of artificial light sources on various organism groups, including plants, arthropods, insects, spiders, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and non-human mammals (including bats, rodents, and primates). PRISMA 2020 guidelines were used to identify a total of 1417 studies from Web of Science and PubMed. In 216 studies, diverse behavioral and physiological responses were observed across taxa when organisms were exposed to ALAN. The studies showed that the responses were dependent on high illuminance levels, duration of light exposure, and unnatural color spectra at night and also highlighted where research gaps remain in the domains of ALAN research and urban lighting practice. To avoid misinterpretation, and to define a common language, key terminologies and definitions connected to natural and artificial light have been provided. Furthermore, the adverse impacts of ALAN urgently need to be better researched, understood, and managed for the development of future lighting guidelines and standards to optimize sustainable design applications that preserve night-time environment(s) and their inhabiting flora and fauna.
Highlights
IntroductionAs well as buildings and landscape elements, have often been brightly and colorfully illuminated by artificial light at night (ALAN) for visibility and to provide 4.0/)
While the use of artificial illumination has exponentially increased in recent years, and applied lighting technologies have become present across urban and natural environments, artificial light at night (ALAN) as an anthropogenic pollutant can still be reduced and better controlled by wisely addressing three challenges
We postulate that lighting professionals involved in urban lighting practice (ULP) should rethink their user-centered approach and become aware of ALAN research
Summary
As well as buildings and landscape elements, have often been brightly and colorfully illuminated by artificial light at night (ALAN) for visibility and to provide 4.0/). Sustainability 2022, 14, 1107 routes, as well as buildings and landscape elements, have often been brightly and colorfully illuminated by artificial light at night (ALAN) for visibility and to provide lit networks and infrastructures so individual users and can society can function effilit networks and infrastructures so individual users and society function efficiently at ciently at night (Figure 1).
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