Daylight Saving Time (DST)
Why we change our clocks and its impact on daily life
2nd Sunday March
⏰ SPRING FORWARD ⏰
+1 hour
02:00 → 03:00
1st Sunday November
⏰ FALL BACK ⏰
-1 hour
02:00 → 01:00
History
1784
Benjamin Franklin first proposes DST (though as a joke)
1916
Germany first implements DST during WWI to save energy
1918
US implements DST, then repeals it in 1919
1966
US Uniform Time Act standardizes DST
2007
US extends DST (Energy Policy Act)
Countries That Use DST
Uses DST
United States*, Canada, Mexico
Uses DST
EU, UK, Turkey
Uses DST
Australia*, New Zealand
Does Not Use
China, Japan, India
Does Not Use
Most of Africa
Does Not Use
Arizona, Hawaii (US)
*Partial regions
The DST Debate
PRO arguments:
- More evening daylight for activities
- Energy savings (reduces lighting needs)
- Reduced crime and accidents
CON arguments:
- Health issues (sleep disruption)
- Confusion for schedules
- Limited energy savings in modern era
Related: Time Zones | Atomic Clocks