France Goes Dark to Fight 'Light Pollution'

The French government’s Environmental Ministry has decreed that businesses must shut off lights at night to “reduce the print of artificial lighting on the nocturnal environment.”

The decree takes effect in July, and only “major attractions like the Eiffel Tower” will remain lighted at night.

Environmental Minister Delphine Batho says France has decided to be “a pioneer” in fighting light pollution, and she believes the new law will “cut carbon dioxide emissions by 250,000 tons a year.”

Batho believes the lights “damage sleep patterns” and can “cause significant disruptions on ecosystems.”

Photo credit: Benh Lieu Song/Wikimedia