On Sunday, clocks in North America will be set back to mark the end of daylight saving time. But what is daylight saving time, and how does it impact countries globally? Let's explore:
Understanding Daylight Saving Time: Daylight saving time, or DST, is the practice of advancing clocks by one hour during the summer months to extend daylight into the evening.
When Does Daylight Saving Time End? In the United States and neighboring countries, daylight saving time will end on November 5 at 2 am local time, with clocks set back by one hour. It started on March 12 when clocks were moved forward by an hour in North America.
Daylight saving time typically begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November in North America. In the UK and the European Union countries that observe it, DST ended on October 29, starting on the last Sunday in March and ending on the last Sunday in October.
Countries Practicing Daylight Saving Time: Most North American and European countries, including the United States, Canada, and Cuba, adhere to DST. However, many countries near the equator and others do not follow this practice. Exceptions within the US include Hawaii and most of Arizona, which do not observe DST. Several U.S. territories, such as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, also use permanent standard time.
While DST is prevalent in the US, 19 states have passed legislation to use daylight saving time permanently if approved by Congress. Outside the US, countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Iceland, Russia, and Turkey do not practice DST.
The United Kingdom follows DST and recently set their clocks back one hour on October 29. Australia adjusts its clocks forward by one hour on the first Sunday of October. However, the adoption and rejection of DST have varied across countries and regions.
Origins of Daylight Saving Time: The concept of changing clocks biannually dates back to the late 19th century when New Zealand entomologist George Hudson proposed it to conserve energy and extend summer daylight hours. It gained traction during the First World War when European states sought ways to save fuel. Germany was the first country to implement DST in 1916, followed by the United States in 1918.
The motivation behind DST has been debated, with some arguing that it benefits farmers, while studies have shown minimal energy savings. Opponents point to adverse health effects, including increased traffic accidents, heart attacks, strokes, and sleep disruption when clocks are moved forward an hour every March.
Daylight Saving Time in Lebanon: In 2023, a dispute over daylight savings time deepened sectarian divisions in Lebanon. A decision to delay the change led to a split between Christian and Muslim institutions, highlighting the country's historical divisions based on religious sects.
Efforts to End Daylight Saving Time: The European Union voted in 2019 to end the practice entirely by 2021, but this plan was postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis. In the United States, there have been efforts to make daylight saving time permanent through the Sunshine Protection Act, but disagreements over standard time versus permanent DST have stalled its progress. The bill is under review by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Despite these efforts, daylight saving time remains a practice with various impacts worldwide.
