On The Green Fence

Disruptive climate protests are encouraging the authorities in some democracies to push for harsher anti-protest measures and new legislation. Civil rights groups fear the right to peaceful protest could come under threat. In Germany, for instance, climate activists from 'The Last Generation' have already been placed in preventive detention. Is more escalation on the horizon?

Just Stop Oil activist Lora Johnson has been arrested several times for disruptive climate protests in the United Kingdom. She has no intention of stopping, even if it means being separated from her son. But just how far is she prepared to go to achieve her goals?

Exposure to loud noise can lead to health issues in humans. But it can also be harmful for wildlife. The problem is only going to get worse as cities expand. So what can we do about it?

Locally produced biogas could help reduce Germany's dependence on natural gas imports. So why doesn't it play a bigger role? German farmer Henning Varnholt knows all the stumbling blocks. He's been producing biogas since 2009 despite criticism from neighbors. Today, he and his community are self-sufficient and the critics have fallen silent. But is biogas really all it's cracked up to be?

Germany's government wants to install thousands of new wind turbines as part of its plan to phase out fossil fuels. But finding a place to put all these windmills is proving controversial - even within green circles. Some critics argue wind is far too volatile a power source, while others warn these massive structures will harm vulnerable ecosystems. So when does this technology make sense?

The energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced Germany to delay its long awaited nuclear phaseout. How likely is a renaissance of nuclear power amid blackout fears and increased energy prices? What role can "green" nuclear power play in the climate crisis? And why is there no embargo on Russian uranium?

For years, Germany has relied on gas imports from Russia to power its industry. But Moscow's war in Ukraine has left Berlin scrambling to find alternatives. In episode one of DW's new series about the energy crisis, how will Europe's biggest economy replace Russian gas while staying on track to meet its climate goals?

Germany's energy policy has been turned upside down by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But what does this mean for energy security and climate targets? And how are Germans preparing for the winter amid rising energy prices? Join DW reporters Kristie Pladson and Neil King on the road as they explore Germany in crisis mode. This podcast series launches on 28 October.

In Germany, buildings are responsible for around 40 percent of national greenhouse gas emissions. Making housing more sustainable can help save money in times of rising energy costs. But where to start? (This episode has been republished and updated).

Co-housing projects are growing in popularity thanks, in part, to increasing awareness about the impact of our homes on the planet. But how difficult is it to share your living space with strangers? (This episode has been republished and updated).

The living space of people in Western countries has been expanding for decades. But tackling housing shortages and the climate crisis may require a rethink of how much room we really need. (This episode has been republished and updated).

Reducing the number of cars in urban areas can bring down pollution and traffic accidents. But the idea of shifting away from cars and designing cities around pedestrians and cyclists instead often meets with fierce resistance. (This episode has been republished and updated).

While major businesses depending on Rhine shipments are backing a government plan to deepen the river in key sections, towns on the Middle Rhine are fighting an uphill battle to stop it. But why is this project so controversial?

The river Rhine has played a crucial role in Europe's history and development, shaping the people and towns along its banks. But just what makes this river so special and how is old Father Rhine's role developing amid climate change?

A historic drought is drying out the few remaining wetland areas along Germany's Rhine river, putting native wildlife under stress. Conservationists hope that restoring these delicate ecosystems will make them more resilient in the face of future extremes.

Climate change is transforming the Rhine. Scant rainfall and above average summer temperatures have caused its water level to drop to near-record lows. Weather extremes are expected to become more frequent, so what does this mean for the iconic river?

Agriculture needs to adapt to climate change to ensure food security. Agroforestry systems could help make farms more resilient, but they only constitute a fraction of farming in Europe. Is it time for change?

Staff shortages and flight cancellations have thrown airlines into turmoil at the start of a busy summer holiday season. But that's just one challenge confronting the aviation industry. It's also under growing pressure to shrink its carbon footprint in the face of a much bigger crisis: climate change. (This episode has been republished and updated).

Expanding forests can help bring down the amount of CO2 trapped in the atmosphere. But restoring these invaluable ecosystems is a complex business, and planting new trees can sometimes do more harm than good.

Climate change and monoculture plantations are rendering Germany's forests more vulnerable to forest fires. One solution could be the creation of forests that don't burn so easily. But how is this done, and what does this mean for ecosystems and timber production?

Global CO2 emissions continue to rise despite the urgent need to decarbonize. What does this failure to tackle climate change mean for climate activism? Is radicalization the next step?

Trees are connected to each other by a huge underground network through which they can exchange information. But why is this crucial for the survival of forests and how is climate change affecting connectivity?

Forests cover 30% of the Earth's land area and are home to 80% of its biodiversity. Forests are our lungs and can help mitigate climate change by storing carbon. But things are changing as temperatures rise and the global population grows. What does this mean for our trees?

The town of Andernach uses its public spaces to grow fruit, vegetables and herbs that anyone can pick free of charge. The project has been a resounding hit with locals keen to learn more about growing food sustainably. For some, it's even been life-changing.

Supermarkets stock thousands of food products flown in from all over the world. And we've become used to this bounty of choice, often at the cost of the environment. Is it time to scale back?