By Shadia Haq
Does daylight saving time (DST) save energy or increase consumption? As DST 2025 begins, we examine its global effects on climate change, emissions, and electricity use.
DST – a hot topic
On Sunday, 30 March 2025, many regions will move their clocks forward by one hour for DST. While it was introduced, first in ancient societies then in the industrial and agricultural revolution ages, to make better use of natural daylight, its actual impact on energy consumption and climate change remains debated.
Worldwide adoption:
Regions that follow DST :
- Most of Europe (under British Summer Time (BST) or Central European Summer Time (CEST)
- Parts of North America (USA and Canada, except for Arizona and Hawaii)
- Some regions in Australia and South America
Countries that do not observe DST:
- Most of Asia (China, India, Japan)
- Most of Africa
- Parts of South America and the Middle East
The climate impact of daylight savings: pros and cons
Potential benefits of DST
Supporters argue that DST reduces electricity consumption by lowering the need for artificial lighting and encouraging outdoor activities. It can also help reduce peak energy demand, decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.
Drawbacks of DST
Despite the potential advantages, critics highlight that darker mornings increase heating demand, while longer evenings can lead to higher air conditioning use. Studies suggest that overall energy savings are minimal, making DST’s effectiveness in reducing emissions uncertain.
Experts divided on DST climate impacts
DST and emissions reductions
Environmental advocates argue that DST can help lower peak electricity demand, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
This is particularly relevant in the push for net-zero emissions by 2050. A study published in Environmental Research Letters found that DST can reduce cooling energy demand in office buildings by aligning working hours with natural daylight.
Shifting energy consumption patterns could support sustainability efforts if implemented alongside broader energy efficiency measures.
Counterarguments against DST
Critics contend that DST’s overall impact on energy consumption is negligible.
Sven Eggimann, a sustainability researcher at EMPA, highlights that while DST discussions often focus on lighting savings, heating and cooling demands play a much larger role in carbon emissions.
Modern households use more energy-intensive appliances, meaning shifting daylight hours have a smaller effect than in the past.
The global perspective: how the EU and US approach DST
The European Union’s ongoing debate
The EU has debated scrapping DST entirely.
In 2019, the European Parliament supported ending mandatory clock changes, allowing member states to choose permanent summer or winter time. Implementation has been delayed, with no final decision as of 2025.
Countries such as Germany and France favour permanent summertime, while others prefer standard time due to health and energy concerns.
The US perspective on DST
The US has also debated whether DST should continue.
President Donald Trump took to social media to say DST was “inconvenient and costly” and proposed eliminating it.
Some states, including Florida and California, have considered making DST permanent, but federal approval is required.
Is daylight savings worth the change?
As BST approaches, the debate over its environmental impact continues.
- Some argue that DST optimises daylight use and reduces emissions.
- Others suggest its benefits are minor or offset by increased heating and cooling demands.
With global discussions ongoing, the UK and other countries may need to reassess whether DST is still an effective tool in tackling climate change.
As the seasons shift, so does the debate over our clocks – one that seems destined to resurface time and again.
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