http://www.spiegel.de Daily news, analysis and opinion from Europe's leading newsmagazine and Germany's top news Web site. en Fri, 24 May 2013 22:27:40 +0200 Fri, 24 May 2013 22:27:40 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de http://www.spiegel.de/static/sys/logo_120x61.gif http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/australia-debates-how-to-protect-the-great-barrier-reef-a-900911.html#ref=rss Australia's Great Barrier Reef is rapidly losing its coral, to the point that UNESCO may soon place the natural wonder on its "in danger" list. Climate change is one culprit, but so is the country's booming extraction industry. Environmentalists warn that time is running out for the reef. Tue, 21 May 2013 17:28:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/australia-debates-how-to-protect-the-great-barrier-reef-a-900911.html Australia's Great Barrier Reef is rapidly losing its coral, to the point that UNESCO may soon place the natural wonder on its "in danger" list. Climate change is one culprit, but so is the country's booming extraction industry. Environmentalists warn that time is running out for the reef.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/environmentalists-combat-iron-pollution-in-east-german-spree-river-a-893886.html#ref=rss The Spree River region in Eastern Germany is a major tourist destination, known for its picturesque, meandering tributaries. But now tons of iron ochre flushed up from brown-coal pit mines are turning the river brown, killing plants and animals, and threatening to drive visitors away from its prime attraction. Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:57:53 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/environmentalists-combat-iron-pollution-in-east-german-spree-river-a-893886.html The Spree River region in Eastern Germany is a major tourist destination, known for its picturesque, meandering tributaries. But now tons of iron ochre flushed up from brown-coal pit mines are turning the river brown, killing plants and animals, and threatening to drive visitors away from its prime attraction.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/chinese-leaders-forced-to-counter-environmental-pollution-a-886901.html#ref=rss China's power plants and factories are spewing out toxic emissions and covering the country with smog and grime. For the new leadership, protecting the neglected environment has become a question of preserving its power. Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:40:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/chinese-leaders-forced-to-counter-environmental-pollution-a-886901.html China's power plants and factories are spewing out toxic emissions and covering the country with smog and grime. For the new leadership, protecting the neglected environment has become a question of preserving its power. ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/victims-of-rag-mining-operations-in-ruhr-region-do-not-get-compensation-a-884292.html#ref=rss After two centuries of coal mining in Germany companies are pulling out of the industrial Ruhr region, leaving millions of dollars worth of damage in their wake. Though companies used to compensate the victims of mining operations, some are now resorting to dubious tactics to escape responsibility. Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:41:29 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/victims-of-rag-mining-operations-in-ruhr-region-do-not-get-compensation-a-884292.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/poland-stands-in-the-way-of-european-global-warming-efforts-a-874344.html#ref=rss Poland is addicted to coal. That is the message the country has been sending both domestically and internationally as Warsaw prepares to host the global climate summit next year. In Europe, the Poles are isolated in their fight for looser emissions reduction goals and against fixes to the EU's cap-and-trade system. Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:38:51 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/poland-stands-in-the-way-of-european-global-warming-efforts-a-874344.html Poland is addicted to coal. That is the message the country has been sending both domestically and internationally as Warsaw prepares to host the global climate summit next year. In Europe, the Poles are isolated in their fight for looser emissions reduction goals and against fixes to the EU's cap-and-trade system.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/project-rehabilitates-europe-s-largest-open-sewer-in-ruhr-region-a-867406.html#ref=rss For over a century, cities and companies have been dumping waste into the Emscher River in Germany's industrial heartland. But a massive project is bringing life back to Europe's dirtiest river and diverting the sewage into an ultra-modern, underground drain complete with water elevators and cleaning robots. Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:04:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/project-rehabilitates-europe-s-largest-open-sewer-in-ruhr-region-a-867406.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/promising-carbon-capture-facility-launched-in-norway-despite-doubts-a-832284.html#ref=rss The world's largest facility for filtering carbon dioxide out of industrial emissions was inaugurated in Norway this week. While some see it as a godsend in efforts to reach environmental targets, others find the technology too dangerous and expensive. Fri, 11 May 2012 14:10:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/promising-carbon-capture-facility-launched-in-norway-despite-doubts-a-832284.html The world's largest facility for filtering carbon dioxide out of industrial emissions was inaugurated in Norway this week. While some see it as a godsend in efforts to reach environmental targets, others find the technology too dangerous and expensive.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/hot-air-the-eu-s-emissions-trading-system-isn-t-working-a-815225.html#ref=rss Emissions trading, the European Union hoped, would limit the release of harmful greenhouse gases. But it isn't working. The price for emissions certificates has plunged, a development that is actually making coal more attractive than renewable energy. Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:16:47 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/hot-air-the-eu-s-emissions-trading-system-isn-t-working-a-815225.html Emissions trading, the European Union hoped, would limit the release of harmful greenhouse gases. But it isn't working. The price for emissions certificates has plunged, a development that is actually making coal more attractive than renewable energy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/paving-the-way-for-a-new-fukushima-is-berlin-still-in-the-nuclear-power-business-a-804687.html#ref=rss The German government may be getting out of the nuclear power business at home, but it is still active internationally. Berlin is currently reviewing applications for federal export guarantees for four nuclear projects abroad. Environmentalists are furious, saying the phaseout must also apply to the sale of atomic energy technology. Mon, 19 Dec 2011 17:04:24 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/paving-the-way-for-a-new-fukushima-is-berlin-still-in-the-nuclear-power-business-a-804687.html The German government may be getting out of the nuclear power business at home, but it is still active internationally. Berlin is currently reviewing applications for federal export guarantees for four nuclear projects abroad. Environmentalists are furious, saying the phaseout must also apply to the sale of atomic energy technology.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/mining-green-energy-a-coal-region-s-quest-to-switch-to-renewables-a-796399.html#ref=rss Germany's bituminous coal mines are soon to lose their subsidies. But one Ruhr Valley company is looking to transform its mines into sources of renewable energy. Along the way, they could solve one of Germany's largest challenges as it attempts to switch over to green energy. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:03:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/mining-green-energy-a-coal-region-s-quest-to-switch-to-renewables-a-796399.html Germany's bituminous coal mines are soon to lose their subsidies. But one Ruhr Valley company is looking to transform its mines into sources of renewable energy. Along the way, they could solve one of Germany's largest challenges as it attempts to switch over to green energy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/climate-protection-german-states-block-carbon-capture-law-a-788110.html#ref=rss The German government had hoped to push through a new law allowing the testing of underground greenhouse gas storage, in hopes of slowing climate change. But on Friday the country's states blocked the plans by rejecting the proposed bill. Germany could now face action by the European Union. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 18:12:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/climate-protection-german-states-block-carbon-capture-law-a-788110.html The German government had hoped to push through a new law allowing the testing of underground greenhouse gas storage, in hopes of slowing climate change. But on Friday the country's states blocked the plans by rejecting the proposed bill. Germany could now face action by the European Union.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/phase-out-hurdle-germany-could-restart-nuclear-plant-to-plug-energy-gap-a-774203.html#ref=rss Germany's energy agency is warning that one of the German reactors mothballed in the wake of Fukushima may have to be restarted to make up for possible power shortages this winter and next. Berlin is also using money earmarked for energy efficiency to subsidize coal-fired power plants. Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:25:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/phase-out-hurdle-germany-could-restart-nuclear-plant-to-plug-energy-gap-a-774203.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-approves-carbon-capture-parliament-gives-green-light-for-emissions-friendly-technology-a-773196.html#ref=rss The German parliament has granted its approval for testing carbon capture and storage technology, which enables coal-fired power plants to liquify their pollutants and store them underground. Critics claim the potential dangers of the technology have been inadequately addressed. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:09:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/germany-approves-carbon-capture-parliament-gives-green-light-for-emissions-friendly-technology-a-773196.html The German parliament has granted its approval for testing carbon capture and storage technology, which enables coal-fired power plants to liquify their pollutants and store them underground. Critics claim the potential dangers of the technology have been inadequately addressed.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/controversial-new-law-germany-squanders-chance-to-pioneer-co2-capture-technology-a-757651.html#ref=rss German scientists and industry had been hoping that carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology could help the transition to a low-carbon future. But a new bill drawn up by the German government has put the brakes on the technology before it was even properly tested. Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:33:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/controversial-new-law-germany-squanders-chance-to-pioneer-co2-capture-technology-a-757651.html German scientists and industry had been hoping that carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology could help the transition to a low-carbon future. But a new bill drawn up by the German government has put the brakes on the technology before it was even properly tested.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/pumping-gas-underground-greenpeace-blasts-berlin-for-secrecy-on-carbon-storage-a-745773.html#ref=rss Carbon capture and sequestration technology sounds great. But where would the CO2 be stored? Greenpeace has accused the German government of keeping potential sites secret and says the public has been misled. Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:23:17 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/pumping-gas-underground-greenpeace-blasts-berlin-for-secrecy-on-carbon-storage-a-745773.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/eu-climate-commissioner-hedegaard-reducing-co2-emissions-early-can-save-money-in-the-longer-term-a-743017.html#ref=rss In an interview, EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard discusses the upcoming energy summit in Brussels, the need for stronger energy efficiency regulations in Europe, the inevitable use of coal in the foreseeable future and plans for a low-carbon future. Wed, 02 Feb 2011 16:28:00 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/eu-climate-commissioner-hedegaard-reducing-co2-emissions-early-can-save-money-in-the-longer-term-a-743017.html In an interview, EU Commissioner for Climate Action Connie Hedegaard discusses the upcoming energy summit in Brussels, the need for stronger energy efficiency regulations in Europe, the inevitable use of coal in the foreseeable future and plans for a low-carbon future.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/dealing-in-hot-air-the-pitfalls-of-europe-s-new-emissions-trading-system-a-736798.html#ref=rss The next stage in the world's CO2 emissions-trading scheme will begin in two years. Everyone agrees that the rulebook is complicated and that the costs for industry will be enormous. But nobody knows if the system will really help the environment -- or merely create a burdensome bureaucracy. Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:53:40 +0100 http://www.spiegel.de/international/business/dealing-in-hot-air-the-pitfalls-of-europe-s-new-emissions-trading-system-a-736798.html The next stage in the world's CO2 emissions-trading scheme will begin in two years. Everyone agrees that the rulebook is complicated and that the costs for industry will be enormous. But nobody knows if the system will really help the environment -- or merely create a burdensome bureaucracy.]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-takes-on-brussels-merkel-s-ongoing-fight-to-extend-coal-subsidies-a-722748.html#ref=rss The European Commission has decided to end coal subsidies by 2014, a decision which does not sit well with Chancellor Angela Merkel. She wants Europe to revisit the decision, but support is lacking. Even her own economics minister is standing in the way. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i> Wed, 13 Oct 2010 11:45:00 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/berlin-takes-on-brussels-merkel-s-ongoing-fight-to-extend-coal-subsidies-a-722748.html The European Commission has decided to end coal subsidies by 2014, a decision which does not sit well with Chancellor Angela Merkel. She wants Europe to revisit the decision, but support is lacking. Even her own economics minister is standing in the way. By SPIEGEL Staff ]]> http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/can-coal-be-made-cleaner-german-states-to-oppose-co2-storage-law-a-719751.html#ref=rss The German government is set to approve new rules this week that would require states to allow the construction of test facilities for underground carbon storage and capture. But two regional states plan to oppose the draft law in the Bundesrat upper house of parliament. Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:02:15 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/can-coal-be-made-cleaner-german-states-to-oppose-co2-storage-law-a-719751.html http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/not-under-my-backyard-one-german-town-s-fight-against-co2-capture-technology-a-710573.html#ref=rss The next Chernobyl? A death blow to tourism? Poisoned drinking water? The residents of Beeskow, Germany worry that a planned CO2 storage facility under their town could end in disaster and are fighting the project. Europe, though, hopes the technology will drastically reduce emissions. Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:20:36 +0200 http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/not-under-my-backyard-one-german-town-s-fight-against-co2-capture-technology-a-710573.html The next Chernobyl? A death blow to tourism? Poisoned drinking water? The residents of Beeskow, Germany worry that a planned CO2 storage facility under their town could end in disaster and are fighting the project. Europe, though, hopes the technology will drastically reduce emissions.]]>