c/sustainability · by Ludicrous0251@piefed.zip · 151d

Denmark Just Switched to Red Streetlights to Solve an Urban Crisis Most Modern Cities Still Ignore

https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/03/denmark-switched-to-red-streetlights-gladsaxe-bats/

138 points · 13 comments · view on lemmy.world

13 Comments

chasingtheflow@lemmy.world · 51 pts · 151d

Reports note that Gladsaxe replaced its standard white LED fixtures with specialized red LED streetlights along Frederiksborgvej. The installation was strategically placed near a known bat colony to mitigate the impact of artificial light on the nocturnal ecosystem. By shifting the wavelength of the light, the city sought to maintain essential road safety for drivers while protecting the natural behaviors of local wildlife.

The project identified the common pipistrelleand the brown long-eared bat as the primary species targeted by this conservation effort. These animals rely on specific dark corridors for navigating between their roosting sites and their feeding grounds. When traditional white light spills into these areas, it can create “light barriers” that the bats are often unwilling to cross, effectively shrinking their available habitat.

BigDanishGuy@sh.itjust.works · 35 pts · 151d (5 replies)

We did? I should probably go into town and have a look

Ludicrous0251@piefed.zip · 19 pts · 151d (1 reply)

Let me know what you find. Bonus points if you spot a bat.

BigDanishGuy@sh.itjust.works · 5 pts · 150d

Went for a bit longer evening walk with the dog, so I could look down into the village. The lamp I could see was just normal yellowish, I didn't check the other one, but I don't think that someone would only change one and not the other.

MBech@feddit.dk · 14 pts · 151d

First I'm hearing of it....

Vex_Detrause@lemmy.ca · 3 pts · 151d (1 reply)

Picture please

BigDanishGuy@sh.itjust.works · 3 pts · 150d

Apparently it's one street near our capital. That's a 4 hour drive each way and a total bridge toll of about 60€... I wanna see it, but not that bad

ZombieCyborgFromOuterSpace@piefed.ca · 26 pts · 151d (5 replies)

Circadian rhythm in animals?

lvxferre@mander.xyz · 15 pts · 151d (4 replies)

[ removed ]

Ludicrous0251@piefed.zip · 16 pts · 151d (1 reply)

Pretty sure they have to be invited.