Revealing the Spatiotemporal Patterns of Anthropogenic Light at Night within Ecological Conservation Redline Using Series Satellite Nighttime Imageries (2000–2020)

Abstract

With the rapid urbanization process, the construction of lighting facilities is increasing, whereas artificial light at nighttime (ALAN) negatively affects organisms in protected areas and threatens ecosystems. Therefore, a deep research of ALAN within protected areas is significant for better preserving biodiversity by scientific ALAN management. Taking the ecological conservation redline (ECR) in Zhejiang Province as a case study, we consistently applied remotely sensed ALAN data from 2000 to 2020 for exploring spatiotemporal changing characteristics of ALAN. More importantly, both human living and ecological safety were considered to classify ALAN status in 2019 in order to propose rational suggestions for management. The results showed ALAN intensified and expanded, increasing from 3.05 × 1012 nW·sr−1 to 5.24 × 1013 nW·sr−1 at an average growth rate of 2.35 × 1012 nW·sr−1·year−1. Hotspot analysis and bivariate spatial clustering identified the aggregation situation of ALAN and the population. They showed that statistically significant ALAN hotspots accounted for only 20.40% of the study area while providing 51.82% of the total ALAN. Based on the mismatches between human demand and ALAN supply, two crucial areas were identified where regulation is needed most, and targeted policy recommendations were put forward. The study results can contribute to the effective regulation of ALAN in protected areas.