Last fur farm in Germany shuts down
The country introduced a ban on all fur farming in 2017, with a deadline for closures required by 2022 to allow farmers to transition into new, less cruel industries.
Germany
This archive collects solutions-journalism stories and milestones from Germany — covering advances in renewable energy, public health, social policy, science, and more. Each entry highlights real progress reported from or about the country.
Germany to close all 84 of its coal-fired power plants by 2038
Germany, one of the world’s biggest consumers of coal, will shut down all 84 of its coal-fired power plants over the next 19 years to meet its international commitments in the fight against climate change, a government commission said.
Renewables overtake coal as Germany’s main energy source
Green energy’s share of Germany’s power production has risen to over 40% from 38% percent in 2017 and just 19% percent in 2010.
Volkswagen will launch its last gas-powered cars in 2026
Volkswagen’s strategy chief, Michael Jost, told attendees at the Handelsblatt automotive summit conference on Tuesday that the company will launch its last generation of gas-powered cars in 2026.
Germany launches world’s first hydrogen-powered train
Germany has rolled out the world’s first hydrogen-powered train, signalling the start of a push to challenge the might of polluting diesel trains with costlier but more eco-friendly technology.
Porsche has stopped production of cars with diesel engines
Porsche has stopped production of cars with diesel engines, according to Autocar. The UK-based automotive publication reported Tuesday all models equipped with diesel engines have been dropped following an emissions compliance issue for European markets.
German union wins right to 28-hour working week and 4.3% pay rise
German workers won a key victory in their fight for a better work-life balance when a big employers’ group agreed to demands from the country’s largest trade union for the introduction of a 28-hour working week.
Germany begins to enforce new social media hate speech law
Last year, Germany passed a sweeping anti-hate speech law requiring websites to promptly investigate reports of posts illegal under German law and delete them.
Parliament in Germany approves same-sex marriage
Lawmakers in Germany voted on Friday to allow same-sex marriage after a brisk but emotional debate in Parliament, setting the stage for the country to join more than a dozen European nations including Ireland, France and Spain in legalizing such unions.
Germany just smashed an energy record, generating 85% electricity from renewables
Germany breaks a daily record for renewable energy, generating 85% of its power from renewable sources on April 30.