Full text is available at the source.
Abstract
Residents in two Chilean coastal cities show limited awareness of the ecological consequences of artificial light at night (ALAN).
- Recognition of the societal benefits of lighting contrasts with a lack of understanding of its impacts on coastal-marine ecosystems.
- Support for mitigating ALAN is influenced by the perceived balance between environmental conservation and social benefits.
- Higher environmental literacy correlates with greater acceptance of measures to reduce ALAN.
- Perceptions of safety, aesthetic value, and institutional responsibility are key factors in shaping policy acceptance.
- ALAN is framed as a social-ecological governance challenge rather than a purely technical issue.
- Successful mitigation may require integrating environmental education, participatory decision-making, and collaborative governance.
Simplified