cabinet position responsible for environmental conservation
Indonesia’s forest fires will be extinguished within a month, Environment Minister says
straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesias-forest-fires-will-be-extinguished-within-a-month-environment-minister-says
OpinionMick Clifford: Eamon Ryan told Ireland what it did not want to hear — and paid the price
irishexaminer.com/opinion/columnists/arid-41924932.html
In case of shortages: Environment Minister Schneider wants data centers to pay more for water
spiegel.de/wirtschaft/unternehmen/casten-schneider-betreiber-von-ki-rechenzentren-sollen-mehr-fuer-wasser-zahlen-a-a87bbb29-1d6e-4253-9d94-beb2b45fa238
Since May: Electric car subsidy paid out to 100,000 applicants: According to Environment Minister Schneider, the new subsidy to promote electric cars has ...
tagesschau.de/inland/innenpolitik/e-auto-praemie-126.html
Key FactsE-car subsidies reach 100,000 applicants since May
Oct 5, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tagesschau.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tagesschau.de
- According to government figures, the subsidy introduced in May has so far been paid to 100,000 applicants.
- Half of applicants had annual household incomes of at most €45,000, while three quarters earned at most €60,000.
- Initial evaluations indicate that fewer than 15 percent of applications concerned vehicles from China.
- For 2026–2029, the government says €3 billion should suffice for up to 800,000 subsidized vehicles.
The subsidy program has far exceeded our expectations and has already helped 100,000 households shield themselves from the high gas prices.— Carsten Schneider (SPD), German Federal Environment Minister, in an interview with Bild
Water levels: Environment Minister calls for a different approach to water: In light of the low water levels in German waterways, Environment Minister Carsten ...
zdfheute.de/politik/deutschland/bundesumweltminister-carsten-schneider-niedrigwasser-pegelstaende-100.html
"Greatest possible concern": Günther warns Merz against energy law reform: To save costs, the federal government wants to cut funding for renewable energies ...
ndr.de/nachrichten/groesstmoegliche-sorge-guenther-warnt-merz-vor-energiegesetz-reform,brief-120.html
Low water levels: The Rhine is currently only fed by sewage treatment plants, glacial ice, and some groundwater.
spiegel.de/wissenschaft/niedrigwasser-in-deutschland-trockenheit-haelt-an-lage-an-rhein-und-bodensee-kritisch-a-31e3298b-76d5-4b01-ac34-654db2acdd87
Water crisis in Europe: Berlin and Brussels weaken environmental laws: Environment Minister Schneider advocates for a new approach to water management ...
taz.de/Wasserkrise-in-Europa/!6218858/
Schneider presents plan for Germany's fossil fuel phase-out: Germany aims to be climate-neutral by 2045. Will this be possible with a pro-fossil fuel federal ...
trib.al/f5C5YKV
"Maischberger": "If you slap people in the face like that, you shouldn't be surprised"
welt.de/politik/ausland/article6aa9e61d9cfc210a32c4ac10/maischberger-wenn-man-den-menschen-so-ins-gesicht-schlaegt-muss-man-sich-nicht-wundern.html
Electric car subsidies & China tariffs: Environment Minister Carsten Schneider in an interview
wiwo.de/politik/deutschland/e-auto-foerderung-china-zoelle-umweltminister-carsten-schneider-im-interview/100253459.html
Labor ditches new packaging laws to cut plastic waste, sparking unprecedented ‘scale and breadth of outrage’
theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/12/labor-ditch-new-packaging-laws-breaking-promise-plastic-waste
France records its hottest summer: France has recorded its hottest summer since measurements began over a century ago, according to the environment minister ...
apnews.com/article/france-climate-hottest-summer-fires-f8cb2b86f839ccab7ae06676ab29b99a
Nabu chief on climate protection with peatlands: "Look out the window!": Environment Minister Schneider wants to rewette peatlands for the climate ...
taz.de/Nabu-Chef-zu-Klimaschutz-mit-Mooren/!6204513/
Key FactsKrüger advocates peatland protection against climate impacts
Aug 17, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
- Krüger argues that heatwaves, droughts and low water levels are putting energy production, supply chains and some drinking-water supplies under pressure, with climate change harming the economy.
- According to Krüger, drained peatlands emit nearly seven percent of greenhouse-gas emissions, so water should be held around four centimetres below ground level for rewetting.
- A total of 1.75 billion euros is available for peatland protection through 2029, while farmers would have to change their business models and could generate income through new value chains and photovoltaics, Krüger says.
- Schneider’s revised proposals are in the consultation process with associations, while CSU Agriculture Minister Alois Rainer opposes them; Schneider intends to seek further funding in budget negotiations.
Protecting moors is the best climate protection there is, also economically speaking.— Jörg-Andreas Krüger, President of the Naturschutzbund Deutschland (Nabu), in an interview with taz
Heat, drought, forest fires: Environment Minister Meyer writes an urgent letter to Chancellor Merz
tah.de/der-norden/hitze-duerre-waldbraende-warum-niedersachsens-umweltminister-an-friedrich-merz-schreibt-O5C3UQKCMZEPJOIIR6KBYWPOQQ.html
Controversial constitutional amendment: Climate adaptation to be enshrined in the Constitution
taz.de/Umstrittene-Grundgesetzaenderung/!6204016/
Rothaarkamm National Park: Environment Minister speaks at the Lyz: The interest groups for and against the large protected area have been making their positions ...
siegener-zeitung.de/lokales/siegerland/siegen/nationalpark-rothaarkamm-umweltminister-spricht-im-lyz-RYFXTVLQZZDULNI7NNQOLWEXQU.html
Before the conclusion of the federal government's closed-door meeting, several members of the government did some early morning exercise on Wednesday ... Show more
OpinionThe “Climate Pollution Minister”: What Is Carsten Schneider Actually Doing?: The federal government is putting the brakes on climate protection ...
taz.de/Der-Klimaschmutzminister/!6196788/
Key FactsArticle criticizes Carsten Schneider’s climate policy
Aug 1, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
- The article reports that nearly 10,000 people in Germany had already died from heat in 2026, while a German Weather Service study found such heat stress impossible without climate change.
- German law requires greenhouse-gas emissions to be at least 65 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, while a government decision sets 84 gigawatts of onshore wind capacity for the end of 2026.
- According to the article, the federal government has introduced new investment barriers for wind expansion, which Carsten Schneider, the federal climate-protection minister, supported.
- Germany’s emissions in 2025 were reportedly still less than 49 percent below 1990 levels, requiring annual reductions of more than 5 percent rather than the recent 1 percent, while the article says Schneider is not demanding faster action or quickly proposing new measures.
Over 12,500 heat-related deaths, drought, forest fires: How the parties now want to react to the climate crisis
deutschlandfunk.de/hitzewelle-klimawandel-klimaanpassung-massnahmen-parteien-100.html
Environment Minister Schneider in Chernobyl: "This is a serious danger for Germany"
sueddeutsche.de/politik/ukraine-tschernobyl-umweltminister-schneider-besuch-gefahr-li.3533097
Paid articlePaywall Federal Environment Minister Schneider visits Ukraine: Reconstruction in focus: Federal Environment Minister Schneider has traveled to Ukraine for a multi-day ...
tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/ukraine-bundesumweltminister-schneider-besuch-kiew-100.html
Culling permitted! Rhineland-Palatinate is getting serious about problem wolves: The Rhineland-Palatinate Environment Minister Christine Schneider (CDU) wants to ...
op-online.de/deutschland/abschuss-rheinland-pfalz-problemwoelfe-zr-94449418.html
Where will the money come from for more shade, drinking water fountains, or other heat protection measures? Environment Minister Carsten Schneider wants to ... Show more
OpinionClimate adaptation in the constitution: A constitutional amendment is not enough: The Environment Minister wants to enshrine climate adaptation in the Basic Law ...
taz.de/Klimaanpassung-in-die-Verfassung/!6204162/
Timmy and the SPD Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Saving the whale and saving the election
taz.de/Timmy-und-die-SPD-Mecklenburg-Vorpommern/!6204329/
The experience of record temperatures and extreme drought can lead to positive outcomes – because it enables new political solutions ... Show more
Heatwave in Switzerland: No, Albert Rösti is not to blame
Heatwave in Switzerland: No, Albert Rösti is not to blame
OpinionComment: Climate protection must become a top priority: Deutschland spürt gerade die dramatischen Folgen des Klimawandels. Doch die Bundesregierung lässt den ...
tagesschau.de/kommentar/klima-hitzeschutz-bund-chefsache-100.html
Environment Minister visits Fehmarn: Shipping company defies tunnel plans with strong figures
fehmarn24.de/fehmarn/scandlines-auf-fehmarn-ministerbesuch-und-rekordzahlen-94443376.html
"Cannot be the answer": Environment Minister thwarts new colleague Bilger: After two weeks in the federal government, SPD Minister Schneider also welcomes the ...
n-tv.de/politik/Umweltminister-faehrt-neuem-Kollegen-Bilger-in-die-Parade-id31185840.html
OpinionEamon Ryan: We live on an island where we drink, swim and wash in water laced with our own excrement
irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/07/14/eamon-ryan-we-live-on-an-island-where-we-drink-swim-and-wash-in-water-laced-with-our-own-excrement/
Swiss will struggle to hit 2030 climate target: Switzerland will struggle to meet its 2030 climate target, Environment Minister Albert Rösti admitted ...
thelocal.ch/20260807/swiss-will-struggle-to-hit-2030-climate-target
"We still have a chance": Schneider: We must prepare the environment for a "new reality"
n-tv.de/politik/Schneider-Muessen-Umwelt-auf-neue-Realitaet-vorbereiten-id31127749.html
Goldschmidt calls Merz's stance on heat-related deaths "almost grounds for resignation"
kn-online.de/schleswig-holstein/goldschmidt-nennt-merz-haltung-zu-hitzetoten-fast-ruecktrittsgrund-T4RZRRVF3RHOPGFHZLQNV4CKYU.html
Carney government approves nickel mine in Northern Ontario: Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin concluded that the mine’s anticipated impacts are "justified ...
thestar.com/politics/federal/carney-government-approves-nickel-mine-in-northern-ontario/article_140a3c5a-291b-43f3-8ff6-9e67f1883728.html
Paid articlePaywallKey FactsWater Scarcity Sparks Calls for Unified Industrial Regulations
Jul 18, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
- The Green Party demands nationwide standardized rules to restrict industrial water consumption due to escalating drought conditions.
- A policy paper emphasizes prioritizing drinking water supply with explicit legal backing in water management laws.
- Proposals include a federal water registry and real-time data reporting to enhance groundwater extraction oversight.
- Environment Minister Schneider warns of future water conflicts, especially in urban areas, underscoring the need for sustainable planning.
If water becomes scarce, it must be clear: drinking water for people has priority over water withdrawals by profit-oriented corporations.— Julia Verlinden (Greens), quoted in a Tagesspiegel interview
Key FactsWater Shortages Spark Conflicts and Usage Restrictions
Jul 17, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
- Environment Minister Schneider warns of serious water scarcity issues emerging in Germany's densely populated regions.
- Berlin’s water supply is at risk due to reversed flow in the Spree river and losses from lignite mining.
- Munich implemented strict bans on pool filling and lawn watering following an unusually dry winter and spring.
- The German Association of Cities advocates standardized withdrawal fees for businesses to encourage water conservation.
In the future we will have serious conflicts over water – also in Germany.— Carsten Schneider, Minister for the Environment (SPD), in a Spiegel interview
OpinionEamon Ryan: Were this summer’s heatwaves caused by El Nino or something much more terrifying?
irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/07/28/eamon-ryan-were-this-summers-heatwaves-caused-by-el-nino-or-something-much-more-terrifying/
Environment Minister Totschnig: "Water itself should not cost anything": Should fields be irrigated with treated wastewater? Agriculture | and Environment ...
diepresse.com/40620403/umweltminister-totschnig-wasser-an-sich-soll-nichts-kosten
OpinionEnvironment Minister Walker on the EEG reform: "This ideological back and forth has to stop"
taz.de/Umweltministerin-Walker-ueber-EEG-Reform/!6199376/
Sharp criticism from Lower Saxony of the Renewable Energy Sources Act: Lower Saxony's Environment Minister Christian Meyer (Greens) criticizes the federal ...
ndr.de/nachrichten/niedersachsen/scharfe-kritik-aus-niedersachsen-am-erneuerbare-energien-gesetz,energiegesetz-100.html
Eamon Ryan on why you should enter Ireland’s Greenest Places: Ireland’s Greenest Places: Despite backlash in some political circles against the green agenda ...
irishtimes.com/life-style/2026/07/25/eamon-ryan-on-why-you-should-enter-irelands-greenest-places/
France environment minister quits, then stays to act on climate: Monique Barbut announced her departure on Wednesday morning, outraged at the lack of debate ...
ctvnews.ca/climate-and-environment/article/france-environment-minister-quits-then-stays-to-act-on-climate/
The Green Party leader launches a frontal attack on Environment Minister Rösti. But her demand is met with rejection even from allies. 👉 Read more: Lisa Mazzone demands Rösti's resignation - | but even the Social Democrats and Green Liberals abandon her
EU methane regulation: No penalties for the climate killer methane: The EU Commission intends to uphold the methane regulation – | but waive the penalties for ...
taz.de/EU-Methanverordnung/!6197822/
Compensation remains, solar subsidies end later: Reiche backs down on controversial energy laws
tagesspiegel.de/politik/kompensation-bleibt-solarforderung-endet-spater-reiche-lenkt-bei-umstrittenen-energiegesetzen-ein-15852283.html
Key FactsReiche Softens Energy Laws, Extends Solar Support
Jul 18, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tagesspiegel.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: tagesspiegel.de
- Economics Minister Katherina Reiche revised her proposals by presenting moderated drafts for the grid package and EEG reform.
- Capacity-limited grid zones remain, but compensation payments during shutdowns will only be partially reduced.
- Subsidies for small solar installations will end but include a limited transition payment valid through 2029 to support direct marketing.
- The drafts are now under review by federal states and associations before being submitted to the cabinet for approval.
Department head with a hunting license: Brandenburg's Environment Minister Mittelstädt would shoot a wolf
spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/brandenburg-umweltministerin-hanka-mittelstaedt-wuerde-einen-wolf-abschiessen-a-66b64df8-3537-42da-9258-475c6e86a5c8
MPs remember minister’s late brother: An Opposition MP paid tribute to a constituent who was killed in a powerboat crash last month.
Dwayne Robinson ...
royalgazette.com/politics/news/article/20260712/mps-remember-ministers-late-brother/
Israel's Environment Minister Idit Silman has changed the legal status of Nile crocodiles, declaring them "bred wild animals ... Show more
'We were a great trio one time,' Micheál Martin tells Leo Varadkar and Eamon Ryan
irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-41880037.html
OpinionEamon Ryan: We live on an island where we drink, swim and wash in water laced with our own excrement
irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/07/14/eamon-ryan-we-live-on-an-island-where-we-drink-swim-and-wash-in-water-laced-with-our-own-excrement/
OBA calls for release of ‘long-awaited’ dogs report: An Opposition MP has urged the Government to “immediately release” an 18-month-old report on how to tackle ...
royalgazette.com/environment/news/article/20260709/oba-calls-for-release-of-long-awaited-dogs-report/
Sweden’s environment minister brought her baby to an EU meeting on Thursday, in a barrier-breaking move she said showed it was possible to be both “a present ... Show more
Pressure mounts on Tony Leon as more politicians detail Resolve Communications' lobbying efforts
iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-07-04-pressure-mounts-on-tony-leon-as-more-politicians-detail-resolve-communications-lobbying-efforts/
Sweden's environment minister brought her 3-month-old baby to an EU council meeting after returning from parental leave. It was the first time ... Show more
MOENV plans to hold 'anti-heat' drill amid rising extreme heat - Focus Taiwan: Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming (彭啓明) said Tuesday that the ministry plans to ...
focustaiwan.tw/society/202606230015
Key FactsEurope Faces Deadly and Intense Heatwave Crisis
Jun 22, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: rte.ie
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: rte.ie
- Forty-nine French mainland departments are under red alert, up from 35 earlier in the weekend.
- Two young children were found dead in a car, with heatwave conditions considered a leading cause.
- Heat-related deaths occurred in the Gironde region where temperatures surpassed 40°C in June.
- France and Belgium limited rail services to prevent heat-induced breakdowns during peak hours.
The causes of death are yet to be determined, but the heatwave is the leading line of inquiry.— Hélène Mourges, the prosecutor in the town of Carpentras, said.
Demolition of encroaching beach hotels in Phuket to start next month: Authorities will start to demolish hotels that encroach on beaches and reserved forest land ...
bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3275305/demolition-of-encroaching-beach-hotels-in-phuket-to-start-next-month
Climate fight will not stall because certain countries drop out, China says: Chinese minister says low-carbon transition is 'irreversible' although ...
thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2026/06/22/climate-fight-will-not-stall-because-certain-countries-drop-out-china-says
Excuse me, Mr. Backhaus, have you gone mad?: Till Backhaus, Environment Minister of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, mourns the death of the whale “Timmy ...
stern.de/gesellschaft/entschuldigen-sie--herr-backhaus--sind-sie-etwa-walsinnig-geworden--37429090.html
Key FactsBackhaus Defends Failed Rescue of Stranded Whale
May 23, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: giessener-allgemeine.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: giessener-allgemeine.de
- Environmental Minister Till Backhaus rejected criticism regarding his role in the unsuccessful rescue attempt of a stranded young whale.
- He highlighted that the whale, a lost juvenile, deserved a chance at survival and that his actions were responsible.
- Backhaus clarified the rescue decision was not influenced by public pressure or the upcoming state election in September.
- He cited advice from two independent scientists who deemed the intervention ethically justified.
He still had his life ahead of him.— Till Backhaus, Environment Minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, on the failed whale rescue attempt
Dead marine mammal: Schwerin public prosecutor's office inundated with complaints and information about the humpback whale
spiegel.de/panorama/justiz/ostseewal-timmy-staatsanwaltschaft-mit-anzeigen-und-hinweisen-ueberhaeuft-a-ca63b62d-b0cc-47f6-8aa9-81cd0f751a1c
Key FactsDead Humpback Whale Sparks Legal Investigation Surge
Jun 1, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stern.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: stern.de
- Schwerin prosecutors have received a triple-digit number of reports and tips concerning the dead humpback whale.
- The submissions come from across Germany, as jurisdiction lies with Schwerin due to the whale’s location near Poel island.
- Allegations include failure to assist and animal welfare violations related to the whale’s rescue and transport efforts.
- Various individuals, including Environment Minister Backhaus and Prime Minister Schwesig, were reported despite limited involvement.
Lower Saxony's Environment Minister Christian Meyer will be visiting Bremervörde on Tuesday, June 2nd. The Bremervörde local chapter of the Green ... Show more
Environment Minister Meyer speaks about the climate crisis in Bremervörde
Environment Minister Meyer speaks about the climate crisis in Bremervörde
Guilbeault says Canada 'backsliding' on climate action as he resigns as MP
cbc.ca/news/politics/guilbeault-resigns-mp-9.7213921
Key FactsGuilbeault to Resign Over Government Climate Shift
May 28, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cp24.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cp24.com
- Steven Guilbeault expresses concern over the Liberal Party's shift away from its 28 climate-related election commitments.
- He opposes the government’s reliance on market solutions to address climate change, advocating for a mixed approach.
- His decision to quit politics stems from a recent pipeline memorandum of understanding with Alberta.
- Guilbeault plans to remain an MP through the summer to complete constituency work and notes others share his unease.
I’m not the only one who’s uncomfortable with what’s happening.— Steven Guilbeault, outgoing Liberal MP and former cabinet minister, in an interview on CTV Power Play with Vassy Kapelos on Wednesday, discussing his discomfort with the Liberal climate policy shift.
Environment Minister Meyer warns: People in Lower Saxony should save water.: Christian Meyer (Alliance 90/The Greens), Minister for the Environment ...
braunschweiger-zeitung.de/niedersachsen/article412075204/umweltminister-meyer-warnt-menschen-in-niedersachsen-sollen-wasser-sparen.html
‘Criminals will have carte blanche’ if tourists stay away from Kruger Park - minister
news24.com/southafrica/news/criminals-will-have-carte-blanche-if-tourists-stay-away-from-kruger-park-minister-20260525-0530
Harsh criticism of climate failure: Government’s own expert council says Black-Red coalition is off track
n-tv.de/politik/Eigener-Expertenrat-sieht-Schwarz-Rot-auf-Abwegen-id30831881.html
Lower Saxony: Green Environment Minister calls for water conservation: Ahead of the first truly warm weekend of the year, Environment Minister Christian Meyer is ...
tah.de/der-norden/niedersachsen-gruener-umweltminister-ruft-zum-wassersparen-auf-4QKBKG2V5ZAHLKKLZA2UWJAGFM.html
Paid articlePaywall
"Numbers make you happy": Electric car subsidies have an effect before launch: The subsidies for the purchase of electric cars and plug-in hybrids announced by ...
focus.de/auto/elektroauto/zahlen-machen-laune-e-auto-foerderung-wirkt-vor-start_58e5ac38-fe4b-4fb6-8089-925daefab1dc.html
,regionOfInterest=(1988,1549)&hash=e81cb78ef5b4c3d5ee948fe7735841203f5f6d859e7794f538fd169feb36195a)
Key FactsElectric Car Subsidies Impact Before Application Opens
May 1, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: focus.de
- Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider stated that electric vehicle incentives are already producing effects prior to application availability.
- In March 2026, about one in four new registrations were electric cars, rising from 46,000 in February to 70,000 in March.
- Subsidies for electric vehicles registered from January 2026 range from €1,500 to €6,000 and are socially tiered.
- Applications open in May, requiring a digital BundID account and digital documents for a smooth submission process.
The social tiering apparently helps more people make the switch to e-mobility. Right now, with fuel prices so high, this premium is needed.— Carsten Schneider, Federal Minister for the Environment (SPD), in an interview with Auto Motor und Sport (pre-release from Friday)
Federal Environment Minister: Ban on disposable vapes in the works: Federal Environment Minister Schneider wants to ban disposable e-cigarettes ...
heise.de/news/Bundesumweltminister-Verbot-von-Einweg-Vapes-in-Arbeit-11288656.html
Guest column by Carsten Schneider: The fossil fuel crisis needs a renewable solution
faz.net/aktuell/wirtschaft/gastbeitrag-von-carsten-schneider-fossile-krise-braucht-eine-erneuerbare-antwort-accg-200780605.html
Paid articlePaywall OpinionWhale Timmy and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Environment Minister Backhaus: The Sleepless Nights of a Whale Minister
taz.de/Till-Backhaus-Die-schlaflosen-Naechte-des-Wal-Ministers/!6172664/
Key FactsTill Backhaus and the Baltic Humpback Whale
Apr 22, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
- Till Backhaus has devoted several weeks to closely monitoring and attempting to save a stranded humpback whale in the Baltic Sea.
- The state government has assigned Backhaus sole responsibility for the whale rescue amid his other duties.
- Backhaus, a minister for 27 years, is known for his blunt style but faces criticism over climate policy changes.
- The whale remains in a critical condition but is being fed herring and shrimp to support its survival.
Earlier, Dick and Doof were two people.— Till Backhaus, in a speech about Ricarda Lang (then Greens chair).
Whale Timmy: Environment Minister annoyed by missing transmitter data for the rescued whale
zeit.de/wissen/umwelt/2026-05/wal-daten-standort-timmy
Colombia summit marks ‘historic’ step toward phase-out of fossil fuels: Officials, climate advocates and financial experts from nearly 60 countries gathered in ...
swissinfo.ch/eng/energy-transition/colombia-summit-marks-historic-step-toward-phase-out-of-fossil-fuels/91346710
Key FactsGlobal Plans Unveiled to End Fossil Fuel Dependence
Apr 30, 2026 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: swissinfo.ch
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: swissinfo.ch
- The inaugural conference on fossil fuel phase-out convened 57 countries in Santa Maria, Colombia.
- Switzerland reaffirmed commitment to Paris goals and pledged to share expertise for collaborative progress.
- The event prioritized implementing current climate commitments, reducing fossil fuel reliance, and enhancing cooperation.
- A scientific committee was established to aid energy transitions, with a follow-up meeting set for 2027.
Death threats, a passionate environment minister, and animal lovers with tears in their eyes: for weeks, a marine mammal with a penchant for the shallow waters ... Show more
Whale rescue in the news blog: Transport barge with "Timmy" apparently stuck in rush hour traffic
tagesspiegel.de/gesellschaft/wal-rettung-transport-kahn-mit-timmy-ist-nun-sudostlich-von-fehmarn-15530507.html
Key FactsHumpback Whale Rescue and Transport Success
Apr 28, 2026 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: n-tv.de
- The humpback whale stranded near Poel Island was pulled with harnesses through a dredged channel into a transport barge.
- This barge acts as a floating container for the whale's multi-day trip to the North Sea, over 400 kilometers away.
- Funder Walter Gunz expressed deep relief and called the successful transfer a major milestone.
- Environmental Minister Till Backhaus approved the rescue plan, though experts cautioned about transport risks and the whale's declining condition.
Thank God. Thank God. I have never in my life prayed so much.— Walter Gunz, financier of the wal rescue project and founder of MediaMarkt, after the successful transport
Whale transport is imminent - | this is what's next for Timmy: The animal's transport is scheduled to begin on Tuesday. Then humpback whale Timmy could ...
zdfheute.de/panorama/buckelwal-poel-transport-lastkahn-nord-ostsee-kanal-100.html