Greenland, a country placed in the northern hemisphere, is home to the world’s largest island. The Arctic island is known for its stunning countryside, fishing towns, and vibrant culture. Now, Greenland has made the news for staying in daylight saving time forever.
What is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight Saving Time (DST) is a seasonal practice occurring twice a year. An hour of time is gained or lost during the transition from standard time to DST. In Greenland, the transition time is 3 a.m. on the second Sunday of March and is followed by a reverse transition that occurs in October.
Why is Greenland Staying on DST Forever?
Greenland is staying on daylight saving time permanently in order to take full advantage of the few hours of sunlight in the winter. The sun sets in Greenland as early as 3 pm in December due to the Polar night. This led the government of Greenland to recognize the need to make the most of available daylight. As a result, the nation made a decision to stay on daylight saving time instead of switching between standard time and daylight saving time each year.
Benefits of Staying on Daylight Saving Time
Greenland has decided to remain on daylight saving time in order to maximize its limited daylight hours during the winter. Here are the benefits to the local community from staying on DST permanently:
• More daylight in the evening: Daylight saving time will provide an extra hour of daylight for Greenlanders to take advantage of in the evenings. This could be an advantage for working parents who need extra time to spend with their children or for those who enjoy outdoor activities.
• More time for outdoor activities: Having additional daylight in the winter months of December and January will grant Greenlanders more time to participate in outdoor activities. This could be an opportunity to explore nature, ski, or skate during the long nights of winter.
• Higher productivity: There is a strong belief that more light in the evenings will improve productivity and economic activity. A study on the Netherlands reveals that extending daylight saving time by two months led to an increase in economic activity and jobs.
• Improved tourism: By staying on daylight saving time, Greenland can improve its tourism. Having more evening sunlight will grant visitors more time in the day to explore the country’s diverse culture and stunning countryside.
• Better sleep habits: The extra light in the evening encourages people to stay awake and active, increasing productivity during the day, and helps people follow a good sleep routine.
Disadvantages of Staying on Daylight Saving Time
Some argue that the disadvantages of staying on daylight saving time outweigh the advantages. Here are the potential drawbacks to the local community that could occur:
• Possible disruption to sleep patterns: It is likely that staying on daylight saving time could cause sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep, and possibly insomnia.
• Decreased productivity in the morning: The extra evening daylight could mean that people in Greenland are more likely to go to bed later and wake up later, resulting in decreased productivity in the early morning hours.
• Air travel complications: People who travel to other countries could experience complications, such as jet lag, due to the discrepancy in time between Greenland and other countries.
By staying on daylight saving time, Greenland will enjoy the extended evening daylight and all the benefits associated with it. Despite the potential drawbacks, staying on daylight saving time could be beneficial for Greenland in terms of overall productivity levels and tourism. By extending their daylight hours, Greenlanders can make the most of their time during the long nights of winter.
