The Czech Republic is taking steps to reduce light pollution, also known as light smog, with new technical regulations set to take effect in March. The regulations, which will not be retroactive, will stipulate minimum and maximum illumination levels for both public and non-public light sources when installing new lighting points. The legislation will cover five areas including the lighting of roads, outdoor sports areas, architectural lighting of memorials, and illuminated advertising.

Deputy Environment Minister Petr Hladik stated that the rising level of artificial lighting at night, with over 80% of the global population living under an illuminated sky, has a significant impact on the environment and human health. The legislation should help lower the impact on the environment and human society by reducing the amount of light pollution.

Hladik also stated that the regulation of light pollution is not a global issue and the Czech Republic wants to lead the way in this field. The hope is for similar legislation to be applied at the European and global level. The regulation of light pollution is crucial for the protection of populations of insects and invertebrates, which have been rapidly declining in towns and villages due to the disturbance of their established biorhythms caused by light attraction.

Article by Prague Forum