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#lightpollution

9 posts9 participants0 posts today
Public
DoomsdaysCW

Why #fireflies are everywhere this summer

The bioluminescent bugs of summer still need our help to stave off #extinction

Laura Baisas
Jul 21, 2025

"Parts of #Pennsylvania, #Illinois, and even primarily urban areas like #WashingtonDC and #NewYorkCity have experienced an uptick in this summertime natural wonder. Their yellow, green, or red glow when paired with chirping crickets or cicadas buzzing signals hot and hazy summer days. While there may be as many as 2,400 species of firefly on Earth, these insects have faced years of decline due to increased light pollution, #HabitatLoss, #pesticide use, and #ClimateChange.

"The insects are still in trouble, but this summer’s increased reports are a welcome sight to scientists and citizen scientists alike."

[...]

"Building a firefly habitat in your own backyard or asking community leaders to build some in public greenspace is one way to start. According to Crumbley, Firefly.org, offers numerous resources for how to start. A firefly habitat can be as simple as leaving behind a small pile of leaves after fall cleanups, planting more #NativePlants, or allowing the grass to grow just a little taller. Responsible pest management options, such as reducing pesticide use or finding more environmentally friendly ways to control unwanted bugs like mosquitoes or ticks can also help.

"Fireflies need dark skies to find their mates, so tackling light pollution is another solution.

" 'Each firefly species has a unique pattern and rhythm, but light pollution can disorient fireflies and make it difficult for males and females to find one another,' says Crumbley. “Reducing lights around your yard as much as possible at night can help restore darkness to your outdoor spaces and assist fireflies in their search for mates.'

"Less light pollution can only help fireflies, but other species like moths or even sea turtles, if you live near the beach."

Full article [includes links]:
popsci.com/environment/why-so-

Popular Science · Why fireflies are everywhere this summerBy Laura Baisas
#LightPollution#DarkSkies#EndangeredSpecies
Public
Peter

All eyes are on France as thousands of its municipalities switch off public street lights at night. 
Fascinating to read about the analysis of strategies in these areas, in the years 2014-2024 and explore yourself the data in an interactive map provided by Cerema (French public expertise agency for the ecological transition and regional planning)

The report: cerema.fr/fr/actualites/extinc
The map: cartagene.cerema.fr/portal/app

CeremaExtinction de l'éclairage public : une étude sur les pratiques des collectivitésLe pôle satellite du Cerema Occitanie a investi un nouveau type de données satellitaires qui permettent un suivi dans le temps de l'éclairage nocturne à l'échelle communale (données de l'instrument VIIRS de la NASA).
#lightpollution#France
Public
Bubulcus & Bolotas

Thinking about our relationship with the environment...

About 70% of Europeans can’t see the Milky Way due to light pollution. Western Europe is among the most light-polluted areas on Earth. This excess light not only hides the stars but also disrupts ecosystems and our sleep.

Let’s rethink how we light the night—for nature, and for ourselves.

The dark, star-filled night sky of Bubulcus & Bolotas with silhouetted trees in the foreground. Wisps of clouds drift across the sky, and a meteor streaks faintly above. The glow of distant light pollution softly illuminates the horizon. A caption below reads: “Minimizing light pollution not only reveals the stars but also fosters sustainability by conserving energy, protecting wildlife, and enhancing human well-being.” Styled like a photo pinned at the corners, the image promotes harmony between sustainability and comfort.
#OneWithNature#DarkSky#Camping
Public
Bubulcus & Bolotas
Thinking about our relationship with the environment...

Did you know that around 70% of Europeans can no longer see the Milky Way due to light pollution? Western Europe is among the most light-polluted regions in the world. This excess artificial light not only hides the stars but also disrupts wildlife, ecosystems and human health—affecting sleep, hormones, and natural rhythms.

Let’s rethink how we light our nights—for the sake of nature, and ourselves.

#SustainableLiving #OneWithNature #ReconnectWithNature #DarkSkyAwareness #LightPollution #EcoConscious #SlowLiving #Stargazing #ProtectNature #MindfulLiving #BBcamping #NatureMatters #EcoWellness #Alentejo #Évora #Camping #Outdoors #NightSky #WildlifeProtection
The dark, star-filled night sky of Bubulcus & Bolotas with silhouetted trees in the foreground. Wisps of clouds drift across the sky, and a meteor streaks faintly above. The glow of distant light pollution softly illuminates the horizon. A caption below reads: “Minimizing light pollution not only reveals the stars but also fosters sustainability by conserving energy, protecting wildlife, and enhancing human well-being.” Styled like a photo pinned at the corners, the image promotes harmony between sustainability and comfort.
#wildlifeprotection
Public
Dr. John Barentine FRAS

"In 2009, the International Astronomical Union declared that there is a universal right to starlight. The dark night sky belongs to all people – its awe-inspiring beauty is something that you don’t have to be an astronomer to appreciate."

theconversation.com/light-poll

The ConversationLight pollution is encroaching on observatories around the globe – making it harder for astronomers to study the cosmos
More from The Conversation U.S.
#Astronomy#NightSky#DarkSkies
Public
Dr. John Barentine FRAS

“Our study focuses on County Mayo’s Dark Sky Park, a place where naturally #DarkSkies are protected and internationally recognised as a cherished form of natural #heritage. We examined the role of dark sky #tourism and #CommunityEngagement in addressing light pollution. By making some simple changes to the type of light and being a little more judicious about how it is used, the level of unnecessary light currently polluting our night skies can be reduced.”

theconversation.com/street-lam

The ConversationStreet lamps aren’t the only form of artificial light pollution – here’s how to create darker nights
More from The Conversation UK
#Europe#Ireland#LightPollution
Public
JanPV

An official of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park slipped this morning on Radio Cymru when he said "we have a certificate for dark skies".

It's not about having a certificate.

It's about tackling light pollution.

This isn't being done.

The 'authorities' are lazy and simply want awards to stick on their web sites and attract tourism.

One event in Eryri to promote dark skies involved... a light show. I kid you not.

Light pollution from Llangefni in central Anglesey, another area that has tried to get a 'dark sky certificate' on the basis of misleading claims of being very dark. The local council does precisely nothing, except part-employing a 'dark skies officer' who seems to achieve nothing, to reduce light pollution; it only wants badges to attract tourists. ISO400, 30s, f/3.5, closely reflecting the naked eye view.
#astronomy#lightpollution#pollution
Public
Angela Sabino Photography

✨ Tiny lights, big message.
These fireflies glow through the warm nights of western Portugal — a rare and magical sight that’s disappearing across the world.

Habitat loss, pesticides, and light pollution (LED lights save energy but are as strong as surgery lights, terrible for wildlife) are pushing these wonders toward extinction. Let’s protect the dark, wild places they call home. 🌿💡🚫

#Fireflies#LightPollution#PortugalNature
Public
Dr. John Barentine FRAS

#Pittsburgh, #Pennsylvania, is replacing over 33,000 high-pressure sodium #streetlights with dimmable, 2700K white LED luminaires, which are "projected to save about $942,000 a year in energy costs while tackling #LightPollution."

Pittsburgh "plans to dim the new lights between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., which will save energy and money, and, according to the city, cause less harm to migratory birds, urban wildlife and humans."

nytimes.com/2025/07/22/climate

The New York Times · Why This Pennsylvania City Put Its Streetlights on a DimmerBy Cara Buckley
#DarkSkies#Cities#Sustainability
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