Daylight saving time is set to begin in France on the night of March 30th to March 31st, when clocks will move forward one hour. This controversial practice has been in place since 1916, reinstated in 1975 to save energy during the oil crisis. However, the European Commission has proposed eliminating daylight saving time, with the European Parliament voting to delay this decision until 2021. The issue remains unresolved due to other priorities such as Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic.
While a majority of responses in a 2019 online consultation in France were in favor of ending daylight saving time, the system of changing clocks twice a year remains in place. Territories overseas do not observe this practice, as they experience minimal differences in daylight throughout the year. Several countries worldwide have also chosen to abandon seasonal time changes.
The main argument in favor of daylight saving time has been energy savings due to longer daylight hours in the summer and aligning with the sun’s schedule in the winter. However, studies have shown modest savings on energy and CO2 emissions, with higher electricity consumption in the morning offset by reduced usage in the evening. The efficacy of these energy savings has diminished over the years due to advances in lighting technology.
Contradictory results on road accidents have been reported regarding the impact of daylight saving time. Some studies suggest improved road safety due to better visibility, while others point to potential increases in accidents due to sleep disruptions. Safety authorities advise pedestrians to take precautions during the transition to daylight saving time to mitigate the risk of accidents.
Studies have also explored the health implications of daylight saving time changes, linking them to an increased risk of heart attacks and mood disturbances. However, conclusive evidence on the overall health effects, including both negative and positive aspects, remains inconclusive. Medical experts remain divided on whether medical issues can be directly attributed to daylight saving time changes, with reports of increased medication use during these transitions. Research has shown that additional sunlight in the evening can lead to sleep disruptions, affecting overall sleep patterns.
