The Debate Over Daylight Saving Time: A Century-Old Ritual Under Scrutiny

Daylight saving time, impacting 400 million people in North America, faces scrutiny amid proposed legislative changes and shifting public sentiment. Despite its century-old presence, the practice remains controversial due to debatable energy savings and health risks. Recent polls indicate wide public support for ending the biannual clock changes.

Daylight saving time, a practice impacting nearly 400 million individuals across North America, is increasingly under scrutiny. This biannual tradition of adjusting clocks forward in spring and back in autumn has been rooted in American, Canadian, and Cuban societies for over a century. Nevertheless, recent legislative efforts and changing public opinions are sparking a reevaluation of its modern-day relevance.

In the United States, daylight saving time concludes on November 3 at 2 a.m. local time, allowing people to enjoy an additional hour of sleep. Mornings will be brighter, although darkness will fall earlier in the evening. Meanwhile, in the UK and other European nations, daylight saving time, or summer time, ends on October 27. The U.S. commences daylight saving time on the second Sunday of March, contrasting with the UK and European Union's start on the last Sunday of March.

The origins of daylight saving time trace back to New Zealand entomologist George Hudson, who proposed clock changes in the late 19th century to conserve energy and extend daylight for his insect-collecting hobby. Although slow to gain traction, the concept gained momentum during World War I as European countries sought fuel conservation strategies. Germany was the first to adopt it in 1916, followed by the U.S. in 1918. However, its effectiveness is debated, with critics highlighting minimal energy savings and potential health risks.

(With inputs from agencies.)