How simple amber lights could make nights safer for insects
Approximately 40% of insect species worldwide are thought to be in decline and under threat of extinction. Among the key causes are habitat loss, pollution and climate change. Another threat is artificial light from sources like streetlights and security lamps. In new research published in the journal Biological Conservation, scientists say a simple change in artificial lighting could help reduce…
A study published in Biological Conservation reveals that replacing streetlights with amber-colored lights could significantly reduce insect mortality. Around 40% of insect species worldwide are facing decline and extinction, with artificial light being a major factor in this decline. In a new research study, scientists found that amber 1800 K LEDs attracted fewer insects and reduced their biomass compared to high-pressure sodium lamps and 4000 K LEDs.
Although these amber lights still have a negative impact on insects, they are an improvement over traditional artificial lighting. This research led to the conversion of platform lighting at all six railway stations within a German Dark Sky Reserve to 1800 K LEDs.
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