Linz fights against light pollution: The bat Lina appears!

Linz fights against light pollution: The bat Lina appears!

The city of Linz is making a clear signal in the fight against light pollution with a new campaign. With "Lina", the Linz night protector, the initiative receives a committed mascot. Lina, a bat designed by illustrator Silke Müller, is intended to sensitize the topic of light pollution and thus offer a friendly face to the important topic. The mascot will appear as part of events, information actions and other public activities in order to raise awareness of the problem. Tips reports that ...

The commitment Linz ’for reducing light pollution is not new. The city has been actively committed to a more life -friendly environment for several years. With the introduction of your own law against light pollution, which has been in Upper Austria since 2024, another step was taken in the right direction. Climate city councilor Eva Schobesberger repeatedly emphasizes that this problem affects all living things and that a rethink is necessary. The aim of the law is not only to reduce light emissions, but also to raise awareness of environmental pollution. News emphasizes that ...

lina and her message

Lina should not only attract the attention of the Linz population, but also motivate companies to actively act against light pollution. As part of the "Take part in Lina" initiative, which is scheduled to start in autumn 2025, companies will be invited to voluntarily switch off advertising systems from 10 p.m. In addition, companies that are particularly committed to the concerns of environmental protection are recognized as "Lina companies". This is an important step to raise awareness of the negative effects of excessive lighting and to intensify the dialogue with industry. ORF reports that ...

Another aspect of the initiative is the upcoming implementation of a study on light pollution together with the University of Vienna, the results of which are to be published at the end of 2025. This study will help to understand the effects of light pollution on humans as well as animals and plants. The proven negative effects include sleep disorders in humans and orientation problems in nocturnal animals. In addition, light pollution has a negative impact on the ecosystem by disturbing the natural day-night rhythm and promoting CO2 emissions.

darkness and its meaning

In connection with the initiative around Lina, the city has also brought the book “Darkness” of Lisa-Viktoria Niederberger into view. In a catchy manner, the work addresses the importance of darkness and takes a critical look at power and class differences in connection with light. On the Facebook page "Sustainable Linz", a raffle of five copies of the book is even offered to further bring the topic to the public awareness.

The city of Linz is therefore not only active in the fight against light pollution, but also sets new standards in environmental communication with creative approaches such as the mascot Lina. By mobilizing and integrating the Linz population, the goal is to create a healthier, more sustainable environment that benefits both humans and animals.