Pervasiveness of Biological Impacts of Artificial Light at Night

Abstract Artificial light at night (ALAN) and its associated biological impacts have regularly been characterized as predominantly urban issues. Although far from trivial, this would imply that these only affect ecosystems are already heavily modified by humans relatively limited in their spatial extent, least compared with some key anthropogenic pressures on the environment attract much more scientific public attention, such climate change or plastic pollution. However, there a number of reasons to believe ALAN pervasive, therefore need be viewed broader geographic perspective rather than an essentially one. Here we address, turn, 11 issues when considering degree pervasiveness ALAN. First, global extent is likely itself commonly underestimated, consequence limitations available remote sensing data sources how processed. Second third, isolated (rural) mobile (e.g., vehicle headlight) may both very widespread important influences. Fourth fifth, occurrence marine systems other settings, greater consideration. Sixth, seventh, eighth, growing evidence for low levels, skyglow, over long distances (because altitudes which it organisms), all increase areas occurring. Ninth tenth, exert indirect effects further expand areas, because has landscape ecology (modifying movement dispersal so hence beyond direct ALAN), interacts environment. Finally, not stable, but increasing rapidly shifting toward wavelengths often impacts.