Natural History Wanderings

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.