Bright side of the night

Discover the effects of darkness on humans, animals, plants and ecosystems. Find out how we can use artificial light in a responsible manner for people and the planet.

  • What is chronobiology, or a circadian rhythm?
  • How does artificial light stress life on earth and our ecosystems?
  • Why shall we put the screens away if we aim for sweet dreams and a good night’s sleep?
  • How do insects or snails, mammals or birds, fungi or plants live at night?

2.1 Earths nature at night

2.1.1 Biological rhythms as information for many organisms

2.1.2 Activity patterns

2.1.3 Adaptations to nocturnal life

2.2 Life at night: Profiles of selected animals, plants, fungi

2.2.1 Mammals

2.2.2 Birds

2.2.3 Amphibians

2.2.4 Reptiles

2.2.5 Fishes

2.2.6 Insects

2.2.7 Snails and slugs

2.2.8 Plants

2.2.9 Fungi

2.3 Is artificial light at night a stress factor for biodiversity?

2.3.1 Reactions of wildlife on disturbances like light pollution

2.3.2 Is artificial light at night a stress factor for biodiversity?

2.4 Humans at night

2.4.1 Why do we need the night?

2.4.2 Perception of the nocturnal landscape and the starry night sky

2.5 Is artificial light at night a stress factor for humans?

 2.5.1 Physiological dimensions of light pollution

2.5.2 Psychological dimensions of light pollution