It’s coming. On Nov. 1 we will have to set our clocks back one hour. Most people would prefer to keep the current time, forestall the 4 p.m. darkness of winter and avoid having to reset the clock on their microwave. But physiologically, permanent daylight saving time would be a bad idea.
Daylight saving time is a relatively modern invention. In 1908, Port Arthur and Fort William, Ont., became the first cities in the world to enact DST. Although frequently blamed on farmers, they have often opposed it — and its widespread adoption was largely driven by the desire to conserve coal during the First World War. Germany and Austria-Hungry were the first countries to adopt DST nationwide in 1916, with the Entente powers doing so soon after.
Ironically, it’s unclear how energy efficient this semi-annual time change is. Our energy patterns have changed since the early 20th century. One analysis estimated that DST reduces electricity use by only 0.34 per cent.