Areas using DST are marked in blue, areas that never have are marked in red,
and those that once did but have since stopped are marked in orange.
Found yourself yawning more than usual this week? You might be adjusting to DST, as it's that time of year when the clocks spring forward an hour, making light evenings last that little bit longer.
Daylight saving time has been used in various countries since the early 20th century, and first became prominent throughout Europe during World War I as a means to conserve coal. DST was then abolished by numerous nations, only to return during World War II, following which it became widely adopted in the 1970s in response to the energy crisis.
The practise of shifting clocks twice a year has become the norm for a great number of people, many of whom wouldn't remember it any other way, but there now appears to be growing debate over the virtues of DST. Those in favour tend to claim energy savings, reduced traffic accidents and less crime, while those against argue that energy savings are a myth, and that if there are benefits, shouldn't DST run all-year round?
It's a topical debate with potential repercussions around the globe, so let's hear your opinion: should daylight saving time be abolished? Let us know your thoughts using the comments facility below.
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