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The future looks bright… thanks to the increase in artificial light pollution. Our cities are brighter than they have ever been. And this light could ripple through our lives and impact our health. Recent headlines have linked exposure to artificial light at night to Alzheimer’s disease, attracting the attention of broadcaster and neuroscientist Julia Ravey. While this area of research is in its infancy, Julia wonders what has been discovered about the implications of this inconspicuous pollutant on human health. Over the millennia, the application of light – from flame to gas lamps to LEDs – has been essential in facilitating progress. Nick Dunn, professor of urban design at Lancaster University, explores how this intertwined history between humans and artificial light, and how our deep feelings about darkness may have contributed to the over-lighting of our cities. Russell Foster, professor of circadian neuroscience at the University of Oxford, explains how this artificial light at night has allowed us to challenge our biological rhythms – and the health consequences that come with it. But the question remains: could simply living in our ever-brighter urban environments be harming our health? The first studies are starting to give us clues. As research progresses, nighttime light levels continue to increase. But some hope to reverse the trend. In Sedbergh, Julia meets Janey and Jack, who show her newly installed “dark sky friendly” street lights, saving both on bills and sky glow. And at York St John University, she joins a team of academics, property managers and experts for a campus tour, exploring a project increasing the university’s lights – which they hope can serve as a model for York to become the UK’s first “dark sky friendly” city. But the modification of the light landscapes of our cities must be balanced with citizens’ perception of security. Anna Barker, Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of Leeds, discusses her research into making urban parks safer for women and girls, and the role lighting plays in making these areas more accessible. Presenter and Producer: Julia Ravey Editor: Martin Smith Assistant Producer: Sam Nixon Production Coordinator: Elliott Prince Studio Manager: Jackie Margerum A BBC Audio West and Wales production for BBC Radio 4.
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