Daylight Saving Time
Dec. 17, 2024, 5:01 a.m.
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Explained: What Is Daylight Saving Time, and Why Donald Trump Plans to End It

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Daylight Saving Time (DST), a practice with origins dating back over a century, has sparked widespread debate in the United States. President-elect Donald Trump has recently vowed to abolish DST, labeling it "inconvenient" and "economically burdensome" for Americans. In a statement on his Truth Social platform, Trump emphasized his intention to eliminate the practice during his administration.

What is Daylight Saving Time?

Daylight Saving Time involves adjusting clocks forward by one hour in spring and back by one hour in autumn to make better use of natural daylight. While DST is implemented in many parts of the world, including Europe and about one-third of all countries globally, it has faced significant criticism in the U.S.

Supporters of standard time argue that having more morning daylight promotes healthier sleep cycles and reduces fatigue. On the other hand, advocates for permanent DST highlight its potential benefits, such as lower crime rates, reduced energy consumption, and fewer road accidents due to extended evening daylight.

A Historical Overview

The idea of DST can be traced to Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century, who suggested waking earlier to save energy. However, the modern concept gained momentum in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to figures like George Bernard Hudson in New Zealand and William Willett in the UK.

DST was first widely adopted during World War I to conserve fuel. After the war, it was largely repealed but reintroduced during World War II. In the U.S., the Uniform Time Act of 1966 standardized DST across the country, though states like Hawaii and Arizona opted out due to their unique geographical and climatic conditions.

The Economic and Health Costs of DST

Despite its original intent to save energy, DST has been criticized for causing increased energy consumption, primarily due to higher cooling costs during extended daylight hours. It also disrupts sleep schedules, leading to health issues such as heart attacks and strokes, as well as workplace and traffic accidents.

A study by Chmura Economics & Analytics estimates that DST costs the U.S. economy approximately $672 million annually. The report highlighted the financial toll of increased health risks, productivity losses, and operational inefficiencies. For example, heart attacks linked to the time change were estimated to cost $374.75 million annually, while strokes accounted for $251.53 million.

What’s Next?

As Trump’s administration prepares to take office, the push to abolish DST is expected to face both support and resistance. While some view it as an opportunity to simplify daily life and improve public health, others argue for retaining or even making DST permanent to leverage its perceived benefits. The debate underscores the complexity of balancing tradition, science, and modern societal needs.



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