Starving for Darkness

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Have you noticed the disappearance of darkness?

Since the industrial revolution and the invention of the electric light bulb, the natural ecosystems of the Earth spend more and more time bathed in artificial light within a 24 hour cycle. How does the artificial light and lack of darkness impact wildlife? How does the obstruction of the night’s sky affect bird migration and whale migration? Much of the study of light and health has been dedicated to the impact of light upon humans, however animals and plants are also intrinsically photosensitive and subject to the unwanted effects of stray light.

How can a rethinking of design and codes alleviate some of these harmful effects? Join us as we explore this important topic with Jane Slade, lighting educator and researcher at Anatomy of Light. Jane researches the many ways in which light impacts our environment, human health, wildlife, biodiversity and interdependence. Jane is the Specification Sales Manager for Speclines in Massachusetts, a lighting manufacturer’s representative agency specializing in public outdoor lighting through an interdisciplinary approach of blending design, science and the latest technology. Jane is also a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society’s Committee for Outdoor Environmental Lighting and is currently writing a book about the natural daylight cycle.

Hosted by West Newbury Wild and Native and Essex County Greenbelt