Evolution of social acceptability of public lighting reductions throughout the recent energy crisis

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is among the most important technological
developments. It has facilitated nocturnal human activity, extending daytime
activities into the night. However, ALAN is increasingly recognised as an en
vironmental concern due to its contribution to light pollution, which adversely
impacts both human health and wildlife. This duality presents a complex
challenge: how can public spaces be illuminated in an economically, socially and
environmentally sustainable manner?
Despite increasing interest in reducing public lighting to mitigate environmen
tal impacts and energy consumption, the success of such strategies depends on
political commitment, which may be limited by expected public opposition.
There is a lack of repeated cross-sectional evidence capturing changes in public
acceptability towards lighting reduction over time.
The present research is original in its capture of the evolution of social ac
ceptability over time, throughout the recent energy crisis. We conducted a re
gional cross-sectional study of the Walloon population. Overall, we collected
3 114 responses across three surveys distributed before the energy crisis escala
tion (February-March 2022), at its peak (October-November 2022), and two years
after (October-November 2024). Data analysis employs binary logistic regression
and inferential statistics. The study examines the association between acceptabil
ity and socio-demographic, contextual, and perceptual factors, including safety
concerns and mobility in public spaces. Public opinion is more positive than local
political authorities may have expected, with support increasing during the crisis
and remaining stable afterwards.