Lights out for "Earth Night" in Jena

The city of Jena is taking part in this year's "Earth Night" on Friday, September 15, and is switching off the lights in some streets for the entire night. With this campaign, the city wants to set an example against light pollution and for environmental protection.

Unlit areas

The lanterns will remain off all night in the following areas:

• Maua industrial estate and Landesärztekammer
• JenA4 Lobeda South industrial estate
• Göschwitz industrial estate and Jena21
• Unteraue industrial estate
• Isserstedt industrial estate

For safety reasons, not all municipal lamps and lanterns can be switched off in the city area.

Against light pollution

The aim of the campaign is to draw attention to light pollution and its effects. Increasing lighting in cities and towns, which makes the nights ever brighter, is increasingly disturbing animals and plants. Billions of insects are dying as a result and birds and other creatures, as well as plants, are becoming irritated. The increasing lighting also has a negative impact on us humans: Sleep becomes less restful and illnesses are encouraged.

"Earth Night should make us think and encourage us all to use light more responsibly and reduce our consumption where possible. This saves energy and is good for nature and the environment," says Mayor Christian Gerlitz.

Background

"Earth Night" took place for the first time on September 17, 2020. The campaign was initiated by "Paten der Nacht", a non-profit organization that campaigns in Germany and Austria for the protection of the night and the reduction of light pollution through educational work. The campaign now has around 110 official supporters from Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland. More than 20 municipalities took part last year.