Every October, one of the most rooted traditions in Spain takes place: a change of weather which marks the beginning of the winter season. This annual ritual, which takes place this year in the early morning of October 28 to 29magically changes the hands of the clock from 03:00 to 02:00, and remains like that until March 31. But what fate awaits this custom?
The future of climate change is uncertain, even though the calendar is designed until October 2026, according to the provisions of Royal Decree 236/2022. The big question that looms is whether we will continue to set our clocks beyond that date.
Different faces of time have changed in Spain
Every year, Spain holds two seasonal changes, in March and October. Defenders of this tradition point to energy savings as its main advantage. Optimizing sunlight in winter when the days are short, it is important to reduce energy consumption. The time change allows for an early sunrise, maintaining natural light until six in the afternoon. In the north of the country, avoid sunrise around ten in the morning.
However, there is a current that promotes the continuation of daylight saving time. They argue that it will benefit the tourism industry and consumption by making better use of the afternoons.
In addition, some studies prove that the change in time also affects health. An imbalance in sleep patterns can contribute to reducing traffic accidents and cardiovascular problems.
How long will the weather change in Spain?
The climate change debate has been controversial for years. In 2008, The European Union proposed to abolish this tradition, supported by more than 80% of the participants in a consultation involving almost five million citizens. However, the lack of agreement between member countries left the proposal up in the air.
The European Union continues the debate and will make the final decision to eliminate the weather change from 2026. Spain created a commission of experts to study the time change and decide if it was convenient to stay on Central European time.
Controversies on the subject
This topic is always controversial. Some defend its benefits and logic, while others want to eliminate it. this year, a manifesto from the Sleep Research Society raised controversy before the first change. However, Spanish scientists questioned the manifesto, arguing that the time change optimizes the use of sunlight and time to enjoy the sun.
They protect the physical reality of Earth who changes his passion throughout the year, and society must adapt. In addition, they suggest a progressive adaptation to change to avoid harmful health consequences.
The majority of the population in countries affected by climate change have a different opinion from that of the experts. In 2018, the European Commission held a public consultation, where 80% of participants were in favor of eliminating climate change.
Due to these results, the Commission proposed to permanently abolish it and establish policies that regulate the unique schedule for each European country. However, The lack of consensus and the arrival of COVID-19 paralyzed the process.
The future of climate change: from now to 2026
The Spanish government published the dates of the next changes until 2026, with the possibility of abolishing it if the European Union reaches a consensus before that date. However, other countries are left out of the tradition. For example, Russia abolished the time change in 2011 and established eleven permanent time zones throughout the country to take advantage of daylight.
And although the time change may benefit the adjustment of daytime work and leisure, these benefits are small and not available to everyone. In Spain, There are no reports supporting actual energy savings.
However, it should also be noted that maintaining a permanent schedule will help regulate ofs circadian rhythm of the body, which is changed during the change of time. This can cause a lack of concentration and health problems.
For all this, we need to listen to the next steps of the Spanish government and the European Commission on this issue to determine if this custom will continue beyond the year 2026.
