Book

Eklöf, Johan, author

The darkness manifesto : on light pollution, night ecology, and the ancient rhythms that sustain life / Johan Eklöf ; translated from the Swedish by Elizabeth DeNoma.

New York : Scribner, 2023.

©2022

xiii, 252 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

How much light is too much light? The world's flora and fauna have evolved to operate in the natural cycle of day and night. But in the last 150 years, we have extended our day-and in doing so have forced out the inhabitants of the night and disrupted the circadian rhythms necessary to sustain all living things, including ourselves. Swedish conservationist Johan Eklöf urges us to appreciate natural darkness, its creatures, and its unique benefits. Streetlamps, floodlights, and the ever more pervasive and searingly bright LED lights are altering entire ecosystems, and scientists are only just beginning to understand the long-term effects.

Night -- Physiological effect.

Light pollution.

Light and darkness -- Physiological effect.

NATURE / Environmental Conservation & Protection

SCIENCE / Philosophy & Social Aspects

DeNoma, Elizabeth, translator

Light pollution, night ecology, and the ancient rhythms that sustain life

"Originally published in Sweden in 2020 by Natur & Kultur as Mörkermanifestet"--Title page verso.

"Copyright 2020 by Johan Eklöf and Natur & Kultur, English language translation copyright 2022 by Elizabeth DeNoma"--Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

In English, translated from Swedish.

Introduction: The disappearing night -- The cycle of darkness -- Experiences in darkness -- Illuminated planet -- The vacuum cleaner effect -- Extinguished mating impulse -- Mass die-off -- See in the dark -- The Eye -- Nocturnal senses -- Twilight animals -- Sing in the wrong light -- Nature's own lanterns -- Light spring -- The star compass -- The dazzling city -- False summer -- Fruitless night -- The fireworks of the sea -- Where the sea waits -- Romance in the moonlight -- Pale coral -- The twilight zone -- Ecosystem in flux -- Night services -- Three twilights -- Dark matter -- The measure of the night sky -- Saint Lawrence's tears -- The only moon? -- The blue moment -- Yellow-gray sky -- Industrial light -- When the clocks are off -- Light yourself sick -- Like a balm for the soul -- In praise of shadows -- Diode light -- Darkness tourism -- The King's darkness -- Extinguished conversation -- The darkness in the tunnel -- The darkness manifesto.

2022037888

9781668000892 (hardcover)

1330896065

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2012323

363.7

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