80|A FONDO 2. - Increased confidence in the community which brings an increase in the use of the public space and hence, informal social control. This mechanism can be effective during the day or night, but it’s bound to many other variables independent from lighting. In conclusion, in no case will over lighting improve safety in spaces Environment We cannot continue to illuminate in the absence of people, where it’s not needed, especially when lighting roads outside city limits. Over lighting devastates the habitat of nocturnal species and alters the circadian cycle of flora and fauna. Most of the species in extinction are nocturnal or have nocturnal habits. Did you know that 30% of mammals and 60% of invertebrate animals are nocturnal? The latter are the basis of the food chain, so the whole eco- systems becomes extremely vulnerable to an excess of light emanating from cities and roads for vehicles. Patrimony Did you know that 70% of the population alive today will die without ever seeing the Milky Way? And that 99% of Europe’s territory cannot see more than 10 stars, not counting planets? To lose the sight of a sky full of stars is to lose part of our story and ancient culture, our cultural patrimony; regardless of where you come from. Design We are living in a historic opportunity to change the illumination of our cities, revitalizing public spaces and improving people’s quality of life by applying criteria of lighting design and visual comfort that are central to our profession. We have the opportunity of communicating that it is possible to illuminate, provide safety, health and pre-serve our nocturnal patrimony, without over lighting or blinding with glare; illuminating only where and when it’s needed. I hope we can make good use of it. Night Zero: Initiative to improve the future of urban lighting How can we illuminate our cities well and at the same time prevent the problems caused by the absence of darkness? We are looking for a solution; change the future of the illumination of cities. We believe, a fragmented vision when we project, regulate or design lighting for the nighttime, is the cause of most problems that arise from light pollution. The solution to the protection of our night sky and to begin a new way of designing urban light- ing is in creating connections between the different visions, professions and interests. ■ Firma del Manifiesto de Atacama. Noche Zero, Primera Versión (DIAV+Light Collective+UCN) Foto: María Cirano