Environmental News Network reports that France is implementing one of the world’smost comprehensive “lights out” ordinances. It includes
- turning off shop lights between 1 a.m. to 7 a.m.,
- shutting off lights inside office buildings within an hour of workers leaving the premises
- waiting only until sunset before turning lights on, on building facades.
Benefits of the ordinance include:
- cut carbon dioxide emissions by 250,000 tons per year, conserve energy consumption, and cut the country’s overall energy bill by 200 million Euros ($266 million).
- a reduction in the disruption of natural patterns of light and dark, and thus the structures and functions of ecosystems, is having profound impacts.
- less disruption of patterns of mating, migration, feeding, and pollination, (leatherback turtles,birds, bats, moths, and even salmon, are affected by man-made light)
- improved star-gazing for astronomers and the public
Read more at: Wildlife and Habitat Conservation News: Light Ordinance in France has Benefits for Wildlife.
August 15 through November 30 is lights out in North America as well for fall migration. For more information go to: Lights Out for Birds | Golden Gate Audubon Society.
[…] French “Lights Out” Ordinance Benefits Wildlife — Natural History Wanderings […]
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By: French “Lights Out” Ordinance Benefits Wildlife — Natural History Wanderings | huggers.ca on April 20, 2022
at 7:55 PM
Reblogged this on Circadianreflections Blog and commented:
I hope many cities and towns participate in “Lights Out” this fall in North America.
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By: circadianreflections on August 26, 2013
at 11:02 AM
We need more of this in the U.S.
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By: Barbra & Jack Donachy on August 25, 2013
at 8:48 PM
Definitely.
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By: Sandy Steinman on August 25, 2013
at 11:33 PM
Reblogged this on Ann Novek–With the Sky as the Ceiling and the Heart Outdoors.
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By: narhvalur on August 23, 2013
at 7:10 AM