Shedding Light on Norway's Glowing Problem

In the modern world, light is not just a convenience; it's viewed as a necessity. Yet, as we increasingly illuminate our cities and towns, we also light up their surroundings. When artificial lighting at night reaches beyond intended areas it blocks our view to a starry night sky and encroaches ever closer to plant and animal life. This phenomenon, known as light pollution, not only disrupts natural ecosystems but may also pose risks to human health and well-being. And through sprawling urban development, expanding commercial activities, as well as increased demand for recreational activities such as sports facilities and illuminated trails, there are fewer and fewer places left with a true dark sky.

Because of this, some countries have implemented laws or strategies to reduce light pollution. However, aside from a few pilot-projects led by the Norwegian Road Authorities, Norway have yet to address the issue of light pollution on a national level. Nevertheless, certain municipalities have recently taken matters into their own hands by employing regulatory tools to reduce excessive lighting and preserve the night sky.

My research adopts a planning perspective to explore driving factors behind efforts to reduce light pollution by analyzing initiatives and projects in depth in a selection of locations in both urban and rural settings. Taking anthropocentric, technical, and natural considerations into account, I seek to understand how decision-makers, planners, lighting professionals, and community-led initiatives perceive and tackle the issue of light pollution. Combining qualitative and quantitative methods, I aim to explore potential conflicts and interests related to sustainability, energy, and environmental protection that influence stakeholders' approaches to light infrastructure development.