The Darkness Manifesto

More about the book

In the tradition of Why We Sleep and The Sixth Extinction, this insightful work examines the hidden effects of light pollution and passionately advocates for the preservation of natural darkness for the environment, our wellbeing, and all life on Earth. Satellite images reveal our planet as a glowing orb, highlighting the issue of excessive illumination. Over the past 150 years, we have extended our days, disrupting the natural day-night cycle essential for all living beings, including ourselves. Swedish conservationist Johan Eklöf encourages us to value natural darkness and its unique benefits. He explores the wonders of the night sky, the swift dives of owls, and the bioluminescent creatures of the ocean's depths. The author reveals the alarming ripple effects of reduced darkness: insects confused by artificial lights struggle to reproduce; birds are disoriented by bright lights; and bats starve as they wait for insects that emerge only at night. For humans, light pollution disrupts sleep, affects hormones and weight, and can worsen chronic stress and depression. The proliferation of streetlamps and bright LED lights is transforming ecosystems, with scientists just beginning to grasp the long-term consequences. This educational and eye-opening book offers simple steps we can take to benefit ourselves and the planet, emphasizing that to secure a bright future, we must embrace darkness.