Voices for the darkness: online survey on public perceptions on light pollution as an environmental problem

Abstract

Light pollution is increasingly affecting ecosystems and human health. We present results from an online survey aimed to chart what aspects of lighting are considered harmful and how light pollution is perceived by the public. We focus on affluent societies by using Finland as an example of a northern industrialised country. The survey generated 2053 responses, particularly from well-educated urban persons living in residential areas and interested in astronomy or environmental issues. The results show that the lighting of residential areas and lighting serving traffic are considered the most common sources of light pollution while commercial lighting is perceived as the most annoying form of light use. Respondents commonly considered light pollution as a disturbance for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The results suggest that the ecological and health effects of light pollution emphasised by the research are poorly known by the people emphasising the aesthetic aspects. The results indicate relatively wide but passive acceptance for policy measures aimed at reducing light pollution.

Developing and testing a framework for the assessment of neighbourhood liveability in two contrasting countries: Iran and Estonia

“…From the results of these studies (Falchi et al, 2011;Marchant, 2005), it can be noted that lighting levels in public spaces are often set high as a deterrent against crime, even though studies have not proven this to have any effect on crime rates. Moreover, several ecologists and medical researchers are worried about the potentially harmful effects of light at night on human health (Chepesiuk, 2009;Lyytimäki & Rinne, 2013). The reasons why night time lighting is ranked so highly by the Iranian experts needs further exploration.…”

Lighting Professionals versus Light Pollution Experts? Investigating Views on an Emerging Environmental Concern

“…In recent years, initial studies have explored the general populations' views on lighting and light pollution. For instance, Lyytimäki and Rinne [21] carried out an online survey to understand how people in Finland perceive and respond to light trespass and other light nuisances (n=2053). In Germany, Besecke and Hänsch [22] explored how residents of an inner-city street of Berlin and inhabitants of a nearby suburban community perceived light and darkness before and after street lighting refurbishments to LED lighting.…”

A Comparative Study on Current Outdoor Lighting Policies in China and Korea: A Step toward a Sustainable Nighttime Environment

“…In the era of big data, we not only need to use data collection but also need to listen to the opinions of the public-for example, the public's views on light pollution and its impact on the environment. Lyytimaki et al [55] investigated the public's views on light pollution as an environmental problem using a questionnaire survey. Of the 2053 responses to the study, 84.6% said light pollution had spread to all areas.…”