The Darkness Manifesto

Our Light Pollution, Night Ecology, and the Ancient Rhythms That Sustain Life

De: Johan Eklöf

Narrado por: Owen Findlay

Duración: 5 h y 31 m

Resumen del Editor

Named a Best Book of 2023 by Scientific American

This timely and captivating look at the hidden impact of light pollution is “rich in revelation and insight…lyrical” (The Wall Street Journal) and urges us to cherish natural darkness for the sake of the environment, our own well-being, and all life on earth.

How much light is too much light? Satellite pictures show our planet as a brightly glowing orb, and in our era of constant illumination, light pollution has become a major issue. The world’s flora and fauna have evolved to operate in the natural cycle of day and night. But in the last 150 years, we have extended our day—and in doing so have forced out the inhabitants of the night and disrupted the circadian rhythms necessary to sustain all living things, including ourselves.

In this “well-researched and surprisingly lyrical” (The New Statesman, UK) book, Swedish conservationist Johan Eklöf urges us to appreciate natural darkness, its creatures, and its unique benefits. He ponders the beauties of the night sky, traces the errant paths of light-drunk moths and the swift dives of keen-eyed owls, and shows us the bioluminescent creatures of the deepest oceans. As a devoted friend of the night, Eklöf reveals the startling domino effect of diminishing darkness: insects, dumbfounded by streetlamps, failing to reproduce; birds blinded and bewildered by artificial lights; and bats starving as they wait in vain for insects that only come out in the dark. For humans, light-induced sleep disturbances impact our hormones and weight, and can contribute to mental health problems like chronic stress and depression. The streetlamps, floodlights, and neon signs of cities are altering entire ecosystems, and scientists are only just beginning to understand their long-term effects. The light bulb—long the symbol of progress and development—needs to be turned off.

“Urgent…vivid…eye-opening” (Publishers Weekly), and ultimately encouraging, The Darkness Manifesto outlines simple steps that we can take to benefit ourselves and the planet. In order to ensure a bright future, we must embrace the darkness.

©2020 Johan Eklöf and Natur & Kultur. English language translation copyright ©2022 by Elizabeth DeNoma. All rights reserved. Published by agreement with Sebes & Bisseling Literary Agency, Amsterdam. Originally published in Sweden in 2020 by Natur & Kultur as Mörkermanifestet (P)2022 Penguin Audio. All rights reserved.

Excellent, fascinating, and important

A fascinating read about the critical importance of darkness for life on Earth. This is an underappreciated yet completely solvable problem that needs our urgent attention. The book is well researched and written and is highly inspiring. Greatly recommended!

Magnificent

Every aspect of this was worth listening and of consideration. Six more words are not necessary.

I want to read more!

This book was “enlightening” (sorry I couldn’t resist the honest pun). I loved everything that was talked about, I just wish each chapter had even more detail. It felt like each chapter was an introduction to its darkness sub topic. It would be awesome to see more detailed books on darkness come out!

Vital information for our times!

This is a wonderfully written book with information that is much needed and seldom discussed. The world has much work to do and this book serves as an excellent starting point for conversations needed to protect our planet and all the species that dwell upon it.

Great company during my night walks

Honestly, it was hard to enjoy it during the daytime; it's THAT good. Really🥰