Daylight Savings 2023 California
Daylight Saving Time (DST)
Daylight Savings Time (DST) is the practice of setting the clocks one hour forward in the spring and one hour back in the fall. The goal of this practice is to make better use of daylight by extending the amount of time we spend outdoors during daylight hours.
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Background
The concept of DST is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, who wrote an article in 1784 suggesting that setting the clocks one hour forward in the spring and one hour back in the fall would save a candle. However, DST was not widely adopted until World War I, when it was implemented in many countries to conserve energy.
Benjamin Franklin
In the United States, DST was first implemented nationally in 1918. However, it was not until 1966 that the Uniform Time Act established the current DST system, which begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in March. November
Benefits of DST
Proponents of DST argue that it has several benefits, including:
• Energy savings: DST can save energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evening.
• Economic benefits: DST can boost the economy by increasing the amount of time people spend outdoors, which can lead to more spending on businesses.
• Reduction in crime: DST has been linked to a reduction in crime, particularly crimes such as robbery and assault, which are more likely to occur in the dark.
• Health benefits: DST has been linked to a reduced risk of depression and other mental health problems, as it can increase exposure to sunlight, which can improve mood and energy levels.
Criticism of DST
Opponents of DST say it has several drawbacks, including:
• Sleep disturbances: DST can disrupt sleep patterns, especially in children and the elderly.
• Increased risk of accidents: DST has been linked to an increase in traffic accidents, especially in the days following the clock change.
• Economic costs: DST can increase the economic costs of businesses that operate on a 24-hour schedule, such as airlines and railroads.
• Environmental impact: DST can have a negative impact on the environment, as it can lead to increased energy consumption and pollution.
The future of DST
The future of DST is uncertain. In recent years, there has been a growing movement to abolish DST, and several countries and states have considered doing so. However, support for DST also exists, and is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Additional notices
• DST is not observed in all countries. In fact, the US is one of only a few industrialized countries that still observes DST.
• DST start and end dates vary from country to country.
• Some people experience sleep disturbances and other health problems when the clocks are changed.
• DST can be annoying for travelers.
• DST can be disruptive for business.
Several potential advantages to DST. These include:
Energy savings: DST can save energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting in the evening. A study by the US Department of Energy found that DST saves an average of 3.1 percent in electricity use nationwide.
U.S. Department of Energy logo
Economic benefits: DST can boost the economy by increasing the amount of time that people are spending outdoors. A study by the National Retail Federation found that DST generates an additional $1.6 billion in retail sales each year.
National Retail Federation logo
Crime reduction: DST has been linked to a decrease in crime, particularly crimes such as robbery and assault, which are more likely to occur in the dark. A study by the University of California, Los Angeles found that DST reduces crime rates by 7%.
University of California, Los Angeles logo
Health benefits: DST has been linked to a decrease in the risk of depression and other mental health problems, as it can increase exposure to sunlight, which can improve mood and energy levels. A study by the University of Warwick found that DST reduces the risk of depression by 2%.
University of Warwick logo
Increased productivity: Some studies show that DST can lead to increased productivity, as workers are more likely to be alert and engaged when they have more daylight in the evening. A University of Chicago study found that DST increases workplace productivity by 3 percent.
University of Chicago logo
Reduction in traffic accidents: Some studies show that DST can lead to a reduction in traffic accidents, as drivers are more likely to see pedestrians and other vehicles in daylight. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that DST reduces traffic fatalities by 7%.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration logo
Improved mental well-being: DST can lead to improved mental well-being, as people are more likely to get outside and enjoy the extra daylight hours. A study by the University of Glasgow found that DST reduces the risk of depression and anxiety by 5%.
University of Glasgow logo
Increase in tourism: DST can lead to an increase in tourism, as people are more likely to travel to destinations during longer daylight hours. A study by the World Tourism Organization found that DST leads to a 2 percent increase in tourism revenue.
World Tourism Organization logo
Overall, there are a number of potential advantages to DST. These advantages include energy savings, economic benefits, crime reduction, health benefits, increased productivity, reduced traffic accidents, improved mental well-being, and in
