PLAN-B - The Path Towards Addressing Adverse Impacts of Light and Noise Pollution on Terrestrial Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Project Abstract
The rate of global biodiversity decline is unprecedented and accelerating. Urban sprawl, population growth and industrialisation are bringing previously unrecognised drivers of biodiversity loss, including light and noise pollution. The EU has adopted policies, including the EU Green Deal and the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, to enable transformative change through better biodiversity protection and nature restoration. However, current projections suggest that the EU's 2030 biodiversity target will not be met and an alternative plan is needed.
PLAN-B takes an integrated, multidisciplinary and multi-actor approach to better understand and support the reduction of the impacts of light and noise pollution on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem services. Key outputs from PLAN-B include a framework and supporting handbook for light and noise pollution impact assessment to inform environmental decision making; an open access database on light and noise impacts on terrestrial biodiversity; spatio-temporal models for assessing noise and light impacts on terrestrial biodiversity and ecosystem services, including at the European scale; innovative solutions to prevent and mitigate the impacts of light and noise pollution; recommendations for improving legal and policy frameworks to reduce the impacts of light and noise pollution on terrestrial biodiversity; and sustainable communities of practice (CoPs), centred on key stakeholders, on the impacts of light and noise on terrestrial biodiversity.
Working with European and international partners, including Brazil, CoPs, key networks (e.g. Biodiversa+) and the Horizon Europe sister project on aquatic biodiversity and ecosystems, PLAN-B will maximise its global reach and research impact. Through its work programme, PLAN-B will create the conditions to support and enhance the activities foreseen in the EU Biodiversity Strategy and provide a new pathway towards achieving EU and international biodiversity targets. Swiss TPH is leading the work package on modelling the effects of light and noise pollution on the biodiversity across Europe.
Co Applicant(s)
