Did you ever wonder about the intriguing way time moves in the UK? Almost inevitably, twice a year, the clocks undergo a fascinating ritual known as the British Summer Time (BST) changeover. But what is behind this curious tradition? And how does it affect our daily lives? Moreover, when does it happen!
British Summer Time (BST), also known as Daylight Saving Time (DST), is the process of moving clocks forward as the warmer months approach and back again as the cold of winter sets in. The main purpose? To maximise daylight hours and optimise our outdoor activities.
But, where did the concept come from? Well, the roots of Daylight Saving Time can be traced back to the innovative minds of George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealand entomologist, and William Willett, a visionary British builder. Their idea was simple but revolutionary: by adjusting clocks during the summer, society could benefit from longer evenings, potentially reducing energy consumption and providing more leisure time.
The UK first adopted this practice during the First World War, in 1916, due to the need to save coal for the war effort. Advancing clocks reduced the need for artificial lighting in the evening, thus conserving vital resources.
How does Daylight Saving Time work?
The idea behind daylight saving time is to make the most of daylight when it is abundant. However, this practice is not universal. The way in which daylight saving time changes over the course of the year is closely linked to the dynamics of the Earth's rotation. As a result of our planet's constant inclination (23.4 degrees), summer time is more frequent in regions far from the equator, where daylight varies more strongly over the year.
Conversely, countries closer to the equator have more constant daylight hours throughout the year, making clock adjustments less important. Northern hemispheres enjoy longer daylight hours, warmth and energy in summer, while southern hemispheres prepare for the cold of winter.
British Summer Time 2024
This year, clocks in Britain will go forward One Hour at 1 AM on the last Sunday in March to mark the changeover to British Summer Time. Similarly, clocks will go back One Hour at 2 AM on the last Sunday in October to return to Greenwich Mean Time. This means brighter evenings and shorter mornings, which in turn affects our experience of the changing seasons.
Clock Change Debate : Advantages and Drawbacks
Advantages of Clock Change
- Environmental benefits
The principal argument in favour of time change is its ability to reduce energy consumption. Indeed, by maximising daylight hours, particularly during peak periods, private individuals and businesses can reduce their dependence on artificial lighting and heating. - Extended Evenings for Leisure and Tourism
Those in favour of the time change also point to the benefits of the longer evenings that accompany it. By extending daylight hours, people have more opportunities for outdoor activities, leisure pursuits and tourism. - Outdoor Exercise Promotion
Changing time can act as a catalyst for increased physical activity, particularly outdoors. As there is more daylight in the evening, people are encouraged to take outdoor exercise such as walking, running or cycling. - Reduction of Road Accidents
Another convincing argument in favour of summer time is its ability to reduce road accidents. By making daylight hours coincide with peak commuting times, supporters of summer time claim that visibility improves, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by low light conditions.
Drawbacks of Clock Change
- Safety Risks of Darker Mornings
According to critics, moving the clocks forward or back may disrupt natural sleep patterns and increase the risk of accidents, particularly in the early morning when visibility is limited. - Impact on Farming
Farmers and farming communities have expressed apprehension about the impact of time changes on their activities. Alterations to livestock habits, such as feeding and milking times, can disrupt animal welfare and productivity. - Suitability for Modern Society
Some critics wonder about the relevance of the time change in today's society, where technological advances and indoor environments are reducing the importance of daylight.