Are citizens willing to accept changes in public lighting for biodiversity conservation?

Beaudet, Chloé; Tardieu, Léa; David, Maia

doi:10.1016/j.ecolecon.2022.107527

Cited by 6 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 60 publications

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“…Highlighting ALAN’s impacts on breeding birds of sensitive and declining species could increase public support for reducing light pollution during the breeding season, just as bird collisions with illuminated structures have inspired efforts to turn off city lights during migration (National Audubon Society). Surveys have found that the negative effects of ALAN on wildlife motivate people to support light pollution regulation (Lyytimäki and Rinne 2013 ; Beaudet et al 2022 ). Reducing light pollution during the avian breeding season would benefit other taxa, including insects, bats, and even humans (Svechkina et al 2020 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Behaviour and landscape contexts determine the effects of artificial light on two crepuscular bird species

Adams,

Clair,

Knight

et al. 2024

Landsc Ecol

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Context Artificial light at night (ALAN) is increasing worldwide, with many ecological effects. Aerial insectivores may benefit from foraging on insects congregating at light sources. However, ALAN could negatively impact them by increasing nest visibility and predation risk, especially for ground-nesting species like nightjars (Caprimulgidae). Objectives We tested predictions based on these two alternative hypotheses, potential foraging benefits vs potential predation costs of ALAN, for two nightjar species in British Columbia: Common Nighthawks (Chordeiles minor) and Common Poorwills (Phalaenoptilus nuttallii). Methods We modeled the relationship between ALAN and relative abundance using count data from the Canadian Nightjar Survey. We distinguished territorial from extra-territorial Common Nighthawks based on their wingboom behaviour. Results We found limited support for the foraging benefit hypothesis: there was an increase in relative abundance of extra-territorial Common Nighthawks in areas with higher ALAN but only in areas with little to no urban land cover. Common Nighthawks’ association with ALAN became negative in areas with 18% or more urban land cover. We found support for the nest predation hypothesis: the were strong negative associations with ALAN for both Common Poorwills and territorial Common Nighthawks. Conclusions The positive effects of ALAN on foraging nightjars may be limited to species that can forage outside their nesting territory and to non-urban areas, while the negative effects of ALAN on nesting nightjars may persist across species and landscape contexts. Reducing light pollution in breeding habitat may be important for nightjars and other bird species that nest on the ground.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Behaviour and landscape contexts determine the effects of artificial light on two crepuscular bird species

Adams,

Clair,

Knight

et al. 2024

Landsc Ecol

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Utilization of urban agriculture to enhance urban sustainability: investigating people’s heterogeneous preferences for proximity to urban agriculture through a choice experiment

Kyoi

2023

Sustain Sci

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Towards sustainable nocturnal environment management: a social-ecological-technical system analysis in Wallonia (Belgium)

Bebronne,

Heng,

Limbourg

2024

Discov Environ

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This study examines the management of the nocturnal environment in Belgium’s Walloon region from a social-ecological-technical system perspective, aiming to enhance sustainability in nightscapes. To identify critical challenges and action priorities, we employ Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal analysis. Our research offers insights into the macro-environmental factors that organisations should prioritise when envisioning sustainable lighting and dark sky protection. Based on the outcomes of the Walloon case study and the recent literature, we determine the priorities that lead to shaping action plans and the research challenges to ensure a smooth transition towards more sustainable nightscapes. Key challenges emerge: a lack of awareness of light pollution, both for the authorities and citizens; a longstanding relationship between safety and lighting, with fears echoed in political discourse; and the lack of consideration of light pollution in legal, political and environmental agendas. To address these challenges, enhanced policies could be tailored to local contexts and improved to mitigate light pollution. Findings support a multidimensional strategy integrating public action with awareness campaigns, encouraging sustainable practices in management of nocturnal environments.

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Are citizens willing to accept changes in public lighting for biodiversity conservation?

Cited by 6 publications

References 60 publications

Behaviour and landscape contexts determine the effects of artificial light on two crepuscular bird species

Behaviour and landscape contexts determine the effects of artificial light on two crepuscular bird species

Utilization of urban agriculture to enhance urban sustainability: investigating people’s heterogeneous preferences for proximity to urban agriculture through a choice experiment

Towards sustainable nocturnal environment management: a social-ecological-technical system analysis in Wallonia (Belgium)

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