Insect-friendly streetlights

To reduce the mortality rate of insects in the environment (such as moths, which are often attracted to lights and drawn away from their habitats), scientists at Germany's Fraunhofer Institute for Biotechnology and Technology (IGB) have developed an insect-friendly street lighting system and are testing it in the Westhavelland nature reserve as well as in three other German cities.

Insect-friendly streetlights are being tested with an insect trap attached to the lamp body. Photo: AUBE

These four selected locations cover a large area of ​​Germany, representing a range of environmental conditions (urban, suburban, rural) and current light pollution levels. The new LED lighting system provides more focused light, reduces light spill, and is shielded above and to the sides to minimize light pollution. These technical solutions have proven effective in reducing insect mortality rates. Surprisingly, reducing the brightness of conventional lights by five times did not have as significant an effect as shielding the illuminated space.

According to the journal Communications Biology, Franz Hölker, the head of the research team, said: “This solution should be used particularly in sensitive areas such as near nature reserves, freshwater ecosystems, or other areas with high biodiversity.”

HANH CHI

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/den-duong-than-thien-con-trung-post744714.html