Gardeners are being warned against using lights on their homes or in gardens more as artificial light is believed to have an “apocalyptic” impact on wildlife and nature at night.
While dim, dim solar lights are generally fine, more powerful lighting, such as solar lights, can be used, according to research published by the Royal Horticultural Society. B. Security lights and bright battery or plug-in lighting may potentially hasten the decline of life in your yard.
They want gardeners to heed the advice because the loss of insects in particular could have a huge impact on the entire food chain – if insects die, we all die from lack of food if nothing is pollinated. In a research paper published in the journal Biological Conservation, a group of researchers postulated that artificial light at night could trigger what they call “the insect apocalypse.”
They said: “Insects around the world are declining rapidly. Concerns about what this loss means for food security and ecological communities have led a growing number of researchers to look for the main causes of the decline. Habitat loss, pesticide use, invasive species and climate change have all likely played a role, but our assumption here is that artificial light at night (ALAN) is another important – but often overlooked – trigger of the insect apocalypse.”
The authors added: “A growing body of research shows that ALAN can affect the fitness of plants and animals, and recent research has cataloged its widespread effects on insects in particular. Some estimates suggest that a third of insects attracted to stationary artificial light sources die before morning, either from exhaustion or predation.”
The research paper concluded: “Some estimates suggest that a million species, including up to 40% of insects, will become extinct in the next few decades. It is therefore urgent that we seek to identify the range of threats facing insects and understand how best to address them. Given the evidence presented above, we strongly believe that ALAN – in combination with Habitat loss, chemical pollution, invasive species and climate change – are driving insect declines.”
Based on the research, the Royal Horticultural Society is urging gardeners to consider whether they really need artificial lighting in their gardens.
It said: “As artificial light in gardens disrupts the natural behavior of a range of wildlife, it is important to maintain some dark areas and also ask yourself whether you really need lighting.”
“The trend of illuminating gardens as an extension of our living space may seem inviting, but it requires great caution. A garden can be just as magical as a place enjoyed by the moonlight or simply with the help of a flashlight.”
It added: “Turn off garden lights when not in use, or use PIR motion sensors or timers for basic or security lighting so they only turn on when absolutely necessary.”
“Position the lights as low as possible and aim them downward or where they are needed. When aiming the lights, consider how they will impact your neighbors (e.g. not directly glaring into their windows) and always position them carefully.
“Choose lighting with low intensity and warmer tones (warm white, yellow or amber): Solar lighting is cheap, safe and emits a subdued light suitable for use in the garden.
“Encourage local governments to introduce street lighting shutdown schedules: even partial night lighting rather than full night lighting has been shown to reduce the negative impact on moth behavior.”