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Lights out for nature: Vienna celebrates Earth Night on September 19th!
On September 19, 2025, "Earth Night" will take place in Vienna to reduce light pollution and celebrate darkness.
Lights out for nature: Vienna celebrates Earth Night on September 19th!
On Friday, September 19, 2025, it will be “lights out” again in Vienna – and for good reason. “Earth Night” begins at 10 p.m. and invites all citizens and companies to take a stand against increasing light pollution. Organized by The environmental consultancy, an institution of the Vienna adult education centers, the campaign aims to raise awareness of the negative effects of artificial lighting on our environment.
In the federal capital, the effect lighting on the Danube Canal bridges and the Otto Wagner Church will be switched off during Earth Night. The MA 33 – Vienna Lights has already converted many lights to energy-efficient LED lamps that emit the light downwards to reduce light pollution. This is an important step because according to Environmental advice In Vienna, up to 500 gigawatt hours of electrical energy are lost every year due to unnecessary lighting, which could supply more than 100,000 households.
Why darkness is important
Darkness plays a crucial role in our ecosystem. Insects, birds and nocturnal animals depend on darkness. “The Environmental Advisory Service” points out that light pollution endangers the lives of many of these animals. For example, moths and fireflies need darkness to reproduce and search for food. And not only that - the human body also suffers from excessive lighting. Light pollution disrupts the natural circadian rhythm and can lead to sleep disorders by reducing melatonin release in the brain.
For all those who would like to take part in Earth Night, the environmental consultancy offers comprehensive tips on sustainable lighting and design of their surroundings. These include recommendations such as using motion detectors, lighting with a warm white color temperature (below 3000 Kelvin) and installing full-cut lights that direct light downwards. Individual advice is available free of charge on the hotline 01 803 32 32.
A call to participate
How can everyone contribute? It's very simple. Everyone can turn off the lights on Friday evening to show solidarity and protect biodiversity. Loud Vienna.gv.at These small personal contributions can make a big difference. The city has also already become heavily involved and has launched various initiatives to reduce light pollution, including the “10 p.m. – advertising lights off” project, which calls on companies to turn off their advertising lights at this time.
Another advantage of Earth Night: It also supports the mental health of citizens. Darkness promotes a restful environment in which people can relax better. So, dear Viennese: Join us, turn off the lights and enjoy nature in its darkest splendor.