The European Light Pollution Manifesto: Strengthening regulations in Europe and beyond

The Manifesto for Tackling Light Pollution and Proposing EU Light Pollution Monitoring, commonly known as the ‘European Light Pollution Manifesto’, was first adopted during Spain’s 2023 EU Council Presidency. It is a significant advancement in Europe’s efforts to preserve and reclaim the night and continues efforts to have light pollution recognised as a serious concern across Europe. The goal is to gather widespread support for stronger regulation of light pollution in Europe.

Objectives of the European Light Pollution Manifesto:

• Promote legal and policy recognition of artificial light as a pollutant.
• Set targets to reduce light pollution.
• Integrate light pollution into environmental monitoring.
• Ensure continuous light pollution measurement.
• Mitigate light pollution for environmental protection.
• Ensure open and accessible lighting data.

The European Light Pollution Manifesto calls for coordinated action to reduce the negative impacts of artificial light at night (ALAN). It recommends ways to monitor and reduce light pollution and calls on European institutions to include these initiatives into both new and current EU policies. Protecting the night sky, maintaining ecosystems, enhancing human well-being and boosting energy efficiency through appropriate lighting are all emphasised in the Manifesto. It establishes the groundwork for future policy changes in Europe, advocating for stronger regulations and monitoring systems.

By signing the Manifesto, you are supporting and advocating for evidence-based policymaking that balances human needs with environmental responsibility while protecting Europe’s nocturnal environment. Your support will also help communicate the forthcoming policy brief in June 2025, which is being developed within AquaPLAN’s sister project, PLAN-B. Your support will strengthen this and other initiatives that are working towards the political recognition of light pollution in Europe and beyond.

Download the European Light Pollution Manifesto

Please take a moment to sign and share this campaign with your colleagues and wider network, even those not yet engaged in light pollution action (even outside Europe). If you have any questions or suggestions, this is your opportunity to submit them, ensuring your input is considered in shaping future policy. If you are interested in institutional support, please contact Yana Yakushina directly for a Letter of Support, which can be signed by an organisation.

Together, we can drive real change! Sign the European Light Pollution Manifesto

Yakushina, Y., Smith, D., & Sánchez de Miguel, A. (2024). Manifesto for Tackling Light Pollution & Proposing EU Light Pollution Monitoring. Meeting on Light Pollution: Challenges and Responses for Monitoring It, Granada, Spain. Zenodo. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13831932.