This document discusses light pollution and its management. It begins by defining light pollution as artificial light that prevents the observation of celestial objects, alters natural light patterns in ecosystems, and causes adverse health effects. Light pollution is an important issue as artificial light emissions are increasing globally and causing problems for astronomy, human health, ecosystems, culture, and the economy. The document then examines perspectives on light pollution from an online survey conducted in Finland. It identifies common sources of light pollution and actions people take to reduce their exposure or influence lighting decisions. Finally, it proposes a "systems intelligence" approach to better address challenges around increasing light use, conflicts over outdoor lighting, and shifting public understanding of night environments.

1. Towards a bright future? The systems
intelligent perspective on the
management of light pollution
Jari Lyytimäki
Finnish Environment Institute SYKE,
Environmental Policy Centre
Future Infinite Academic:
Sustainable Futures in a Changing Climate
1112 June 2014, Helsinki, Finland
Photo ©Moon-WillowStock

2. ● Prevention of observation of
celestial objects caused by artificial
light
● Artificial light that alters the natural
patterns of light and dark in
ecosystems
● Light-at-night that causes adverse
health effects
● Artificial lighting that may cause
harm to humans or nature
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What is light pollution?
photo: Wikimedia commmons, Mike GL, CC-BY-2.0

3. Why is light pollution important?
● A global change: neglected ”grand challenge”
● Light emissions are increasing
● Causing various adverse effects on
○ Astronomy
○ Human health
○ Ecosystems
○ Culture
○ Economy
● Affected by rapid technological change (LEDs)
● Largely uncontrolled environmental stressor

4. 3.12.2014

5. The most easy-to-see global change
Alaotsikko tai ingressi
● Ensimmäinen taso
○ toinen taso
• kolmas taso
5

6. Material & method
● Online survey in Finland (Nov. 2011-Feb. 2012, N=2,053)
● 20 likert-scale statements focusing on views about light
pollution and use of lighting
● Three open ended questions:
○ When and where have you experienced light pollution
as being particularly disturbing? What was the source of
artificial light?
○ In what kinds of places have you experienced natural
dimness or darkness as pleasant?
○ Have you attempted to reduce the light pollution or
exposure to the disturbing light? How?

8. The most common sources of light pollution

9. 9
Type of action Examples
Minimizing the
exposure to light
by changing own
location
Avoiding over-illuminated places (e.g. city centres)
Changing the place of residence to the countryside
Jogging and outdoor exercising in areas with no lighting
Keeping insides in order to avoid disturbing light
Minimizing the
exposure to light
by forestalling
light trespass or
glare
Use of blinding curtains in windows
Use of sleeping eye patches
Building constructs or planting trees or bushes that block the light
Using sunglasses or hats when driving or walking.
Covering the signal lights of electric devices
Closing the eyes or looking away from light source
Consumer
choices
Avoiding the purchase of powerful lights and decorative lights
Boycotting of fruits that have been grown in greenhouses
Favouring of public transportation
Prudent use of
lights
Switching off outdoor lights during the night hours
Use of time switches, movement detectors and dimmers
Avoidance of blinking LED-lights (e.g. bicycle lights)
Careful use of car headlights and fog lights
Favouring dim and comfortable overall lighting
Using bright lights only where and when absolutely necessary

10. Type of action Examples
Reducing the
need for
illumination
Timing of outdoor activities according the natural light
Making use of the moonlight
Using reflectors to mark safe routes
Avoidance of night-time car use
Getting
accustomed to
natural light
Teaching the children to cope without extensive lighting
Learning away from unnecessary fear of darkness
Spending a week without artificial light
Favouring natural sources of light and candle light
Influencing the
lighting
decisions
Participation in housing cooperative boards
Direct contacts with municipal authorities
Direct contacts with those responsible of lighting (e.g. sport fields)
Giving comments to the environmental permit processes
Increasing
awareness about
light pollution
Writing letters to the editor to the newspapers
Informing decision makers
Discussions with neighbours and work colleagues
Getting attention to the term “light pollution”

11. Towards a systems intelligent light
pollution management?
● Systems intelligence emphasizes personal and active
involvement with systems characterised by complex cross-scale
interactions and non-linear feedbacks
● Asks how an individual can understand the system and
change it
● Search for systemic leverage points opening up positive
development paths
● Can be seen as an approach for preventing and managing
conflicts that arise when different preferences of the use of
outdoor space collide
● A focus on systems intelligence on a household level does
not imply that the individual citizens are alone responsible
for systemic changes.
http://systemsintelligence.aalto.fi/

12. Systems intelligence approach
may help to address:
● Rebound effects related to increasing use of
cost-efficient lighting technologies
● Reverse tragedy of commons related to the
darkness and lighting
● Shifting baselines related to public
understanding of night environment
D. Robert CC BY-SA 2.0
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13. “For eons people have gazed at the
skies and seen into their souls”
Lisa Simpson
The Simpsons, Season 14, Episode 16: “Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky”.

14. References
● Lyytimäki J., Rinne J. (2013). Voices for the
darkness: Online survey on public
perceptions on light pollution as an
environmental problem. Journal of Integrative
Environmental Sciences 10(2): 127-139.
● Lyytimäki J. (2013). Nature's nocturnal
services: light pollution as a non-recognised
challenge for ecosystem services research
and management. Ecosystem Services 3:
e44-e48.
● Rinne J., Lyytimäki, J. (2012). Vaivaako
valosaaste? Verkkokyselyn tulosten
yhteenveto. Suomen ympäristökeskuksen
raportteja 24/2012. Suomen
ympäristökeskus, Helsinki.
http://hdl.handle.net/10138/39849
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Benjamin Stäudinger CC-BY-2.0