Dark infrastructure

[1] In practice, different levels of administrative agencies assess, upgrade and monitor existing areas where the environment remains sufficiently undisturbed light-wise for biodiversity to prosper.

Several western countries have seen the emergence of dark-sky movements, which focus on the human benefits of experiencing starry night skies.

The rationale is that since the industrial revolution, the intensity and area of artificially lit outdoor spaces has increased dramatically worldwide, disrupting natural cycles and circadian rhythms of humans and animals alike.

[4][1][5] For humans, this includes adverse effects on the visual system and sleep quality (e.g., by an impaired melatonin secretion, disruption of the circadian rhythm).

All artificial light at night that exceeds the equivalent of that of naturally occurring moonlight lunar phase has negative effects on physiology, behavior, and life-history traits.

Plant leaf functions and resource-management strategies can be affected negatively as well as resource acquisition rate and disrupt the circadian rhythm and circannual cycle.

Dark infrastructures have numerous ecological and human health benefits, including reduced light pollution and the preservation of nocturnal biodiversity by functioning as sanctuaries for light-sensitive species.

[18][1] Many species, including bats, moths, amphibians, and migratory birds, rely on darkness for critical behaviors such as foraging, mating, and navigation.

[24] From an ecological point of view, dark infrastructure may unintentionally aid in the spread of invasive species or disrupt predator-prey relationships, thereby affecting conservation objectives.