Why do we alter the clocks every year, whats the point ?

 

The practice of changing the clocks twice a year, known as daylight saving time (DST), was first introduced in the United Kingdom in 1916 as a way to conserve energy during World War I. The idea was that by shifting the clocks forward an hour in the spring, people would have more daylight in the evenings, and would therefore use less electricity for artificial lighting.

DST was initially only observed during the war, but it was later reinstated in the 1920s and has been observed ever since. The practice has been controversial ever since it was first introduced, with some people arguing that it is unnecessary and harmful, while others believe that it has benefits for public health and safety.

Arguments in favor of daylight saving time:

• Energy savings: DST has been shown to reduce energy consumption, particularly for lighting. According to the European Commission, DST can save up to 10% of energy consumption in households.
• Reduced road accidents: Studies have shown that DST can lead to a reduction in road accidents, particularly in the morning hours. This is because DST allows for more daylight in the mornings, which can make it easier for drivers to see.
• Improved mental health: Some studies have suggested that DST can improve mental health, particularly by reducing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is a type of depression that is more common in winter, when there is less daylight.

Arguments against daylight saving time:

• Disruption to sleep: The changing of the clocks can disrupt people's sleep patterns, which can lead to fatigue, headaches, and irritability.
• Increased risk of heart attacks: Studies have shown that there is an increased risk of heart attacks in the days following the springtime shift to DST. This is thought to be because the sudden loss of an hour of sleep can put stress on the body.
• Safety hazards: The changing of the clocks can also lead to safety hazards, such as increased pedestrian accidents and injuries in the days following the springtime shift to DST.

The future of daylight saving time:

There is a growing movement to abolish DST in the United Kingdom. In 2019, the UK government launched a public consultation on the issue, and the results of the consultation found that a majority of people (74%) would prefer to stay on permanent British Summer Time (BST) and abandon the twice-yearly clock changes.

The government is currently considering the results of the consultation and is expected to make a decision on the future of DST in the UK in the coming months.

Here are some of the reasons why the UK government is considering abolishing DST:

• The increasing popularity of DST abolition: Public support for DST abolition has grown in recent years, with a majority of people now expressing a preference for staying on BST permanently.
• The negative health and safety impacts of DST: Studies have shown that DST can have negative impacts on people's sleep, mental health, and road safety.
• The availability of alternative ways to conserve energy: There are now more efficient ways to conserve energy than DST, such as using LED lighting and setting thermostats to higher temperatures in the summer and lower temperatures in the winter.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to abolish DST in the UK is a political one. The government will need to weigh the potential benefits of abolition, such as increased public support and reduced health and safety risks, against the potential costs, such as the loss of energy savings and the need for businesses and organizations to adapt to a new permanent time zone.