{"id":1845829,"date":"2026-03-25T09:21:54","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T06:21:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1845829"},"modified":"2026-03-25T09:21:54","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T06:21:54","slug":"germany-news-race-against-time-for-stranded-humpback-whale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1845829","title":{"rendered":"Germany news: Race against time for stranded humpback whale"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517823_6.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article class=\"s1sfzv1a sk6xmai\">\n<div class=\"content-area sa7l9jt s9mg977\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"sharing-icons-inline\" class=\"c75t7t0 hh5424a in-line closed\">\n<div class=\"copy-button-wrapper closed\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5B3h2<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure class=\"s4bcs45\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517823_800.webp 50w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517823_801.webp 129w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517823_802.webp 352w, https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517823_803.webp 575w\" media=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 575px)\" height=\"100\" width=\"100\" \/><figcaption class=\"c1oedowi lofg86o m4xla6a s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Rescue efforts are still underway after dredging efforts proved insufficient<small class=\"copyright c19ed66t ihwmx5 idu7i8u lxmvniw icns9en rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Image: Ulrich Perrey\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" id=\"live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"c1800ln sq3xutt atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-race-against-time-for-stranded-humpback-whale\/live-76517488#post-live-blog-rich-text-overview\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section What you need to know<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"c2fyhwl ctymiyf content-block i1if36d6 i1ytahzz\">\n<h2 class=\"cp7bjxx h1du6kc5 lt5vbch pohyj9x s16w0xvi m1u0isv1 b1fzgn0z\">What you need to know<\/h2>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>A humpback whale has\u00a0 been stranded on a sandbank in L\u00fcbeck Bay since Monday<\/li>\n<li>New equipment is on the way to help with dredging efforts to free the marine mammal<\/li>\n<li>Highway closures in North Rhine-Westphalia as police accompany a convoy transporting nuclear waste\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Here are the biggest headlines from across <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em>\u00a0on Wednesday, March 25.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"s1ogwy7c ev9ivjh\">\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76519595\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-race-against-time-for-stranded-humpback-whale\/live-76517488#post-liveblog-post-76519595\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section German housing prices rise again in 2025<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">German housing prices rise again in 2025<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>House\u00a0prices in Germany have increased again, marking a continued recovery after <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-house-and-apartment-prices-drop-further\/a-69438838\">recent declines<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Federal Statistical Office, residential property prices in the fourth quarter of 2025 were up 3.0% compared with a year earlier, the fifth consecutive quarterly rise year-on-year.<\/p>\n<p>Prices edged up 0.1% from the previous quarter, while the annual average for 2025 rose 3.2%, the first yearly increase since 2022 after declines in 2023 and 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Growth was strongest in rural areas, where apartment prices rose 5.4%, compared with 4.8% in large cities and 2.1% in Germany\u2019s seven biggest urban centers \u2014 Berlin, Cologne, D\u00fcsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart.<\/p>\n<p>On a quarterly basis, prices fell 1.6% in major cities but climbed 2.6% in rural regions, showing a shift in demand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5B4F1<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76517558\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-race-against-time-for-stranded-humpback-whale\/live-76517488#post-liveblog-post-76517558\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Massive police convoy escorts nuclear waste transport<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Massive police convoy escorts nuclear waste transport<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76517094\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517094_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Police accompanying the radioactive cargo\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The operation is the start of a series of transports, with 151 more Castor containers to be moved<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Christoph Reichwein\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>German police have mounted a large-scale operation to escort the first nuclear waste transport from\u00a0an ex-research reactor site in the western city of J\u00fclich in\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/north-rhine-westphalia\/t-18943637\">North Rhine-Westphalia<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Around 100 vehicles, including dozens of police units, formed a convoy protecting the heavy-load transporter carrying the radioactive cargo on its way to\u00a0an interim storage facility in the town of Ahaus.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities deployed extensive security measures, with officers guarding access points and even mobile toilets included in the convoy.<\/p>\n<p>Highway exits were repeatedly closed, leaving drivers with limited options and in some cases forcing them to turn around.<\/p>\n<p>The operation marks the start of a series of transports, with 151 more Castor containers set to be moved to the Ahaus interim storage site.<\/p>\n<p>Police deployed about 2,400 officers, while unions warned of potential strain on personnel amid growing security demands.<\/p>\n<p>The first container reached Ahaus after about four hours, as small groups of protesters demonstrated along the route and at the destination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5B3iA<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76518089\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-race-against-time-for-stranded-humpback-whale\/live-76517488#post-liveblog-post-76518089\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Greenpeace climate protest in Berlin<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Greenpeace climate protest in Berlin<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76517449\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517449_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Four activists from the environmental group suspended from a massive construction crane\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The activists mounted a 100-square-meter banner, visible from afar<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Michael Kappeler\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Early Wednesday morning, four activists from the environmental group Greenpeace were suspended from a massive construction crane right next to the Chancellery in Berlin \u2014 a crane that has been there for some time due to renovations at the building, which was swaying dangerously in the fierce wind on this gloomy morning.<\/p>\n<p>The activists mounted a 100-square-meter (around 1000 square feet)\u00a0banner, visible from afar above the government district, reading: &#8220;Freedom instead of fossil fuel politics.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>They want to draw attention to what they see as the shortcomings in the new climate protection program of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Chancellor Friedrich Merz&#8217;s<\/a> government, which is set to be approved by the cabinet at midday this Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>By 2030, the government promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% compared to 1990 levels; 48% of that target has already been achieved. But Greenpeace is certain: the 65% target is virtually impossible to meet.<\/p>\n<p>Greenpeace energy expert Mira J\u00e4ger wrote in a press statement released simultaneously with the crane protest:\u00a0 &#8220;There is a looming massive gap in the CO2 targets. So far, no measures are known that could even begin to close this gap. The rising prices for fuel and gas show everyone: The climate protection program must provide a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. We cannot afford to &#8216;carry on as usual,&#8217;\u00a0neither ecologically nor economically.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5B3qj<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76517939\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-race-against-time-for-stranded-humpback-whale\/live-76517488#post-liveblog-post-76517939\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Stranded humpback whale waits for rescue in Germany<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Stranded humpback whale waits for rescue in Germany<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76517295\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517295_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"The stranded whale off the Baltic coast\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"> The 10-meter-long humpback whale is probably a young male<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Jens B\u00fcttner\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A stranded humpback whale has been fighting for survival off Niendorf beach in northern Germany, with rescuers forced to wait for better equipment.<\/p>\n<p>A rescue attempt with a suction dredger failed because it was not powerful enough to remove the compact sand.\u00a0Larger machinery is expected to arrive, likely on Thursday, to continue efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Carsten Mannheimer\u00a0from the marine conservation organization Sea Shepherd said the situation was\u00a0difficult. &#8220;I would like to do more,&#8221; he said, adding that there was\u00a0little to do for now.<\/p>\n<p>The group said the animal\u00a0probably got stuck while migrating, and that it might be the same whale repeatedly sighted in the area this month.<\/p>\n<p>The young whale has been stuck on a sandbank since Monday, with its back visible above water and its low sounds audible from hundreds of meters away.<\/p>\n<p>Mannheimer said such incidents are hard to prevent, though improved equipment could help, adding he still hopes the whale will make it back to deeper water.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5B3oJ<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-tracking-name=\"section-liveblog-post\" id=\"liveblog-post-76518053\" class=\"liveblog-post sh8w7rk atfzu66\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-race-against-time-for-stranded-humpback-whale\/live-76517488#post-liveblog-post-76518053\" class=\"q1knotlb b14agbwd quick-item\"><span class=\"h1du6kc5 l1ozsu87 p1s74fjj s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Skip next section Welcome to our coverage<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"l3vczb5\"><span class=\"time-area s1i8qhb9 icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><span class=\"publication icns9en lofg86o m1u0isv1 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\"><time aria-hidden=\"true\">03\/25\/2026<\/time><span class=\"s28j2rd\">March 25, 2026<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"pmcvy6l h1du6kc5 l1evdo4u p1y8x1v s16w0xvi sngcpkw b1fzgn0z\">Welcome to our coverage<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Guten Tag from the DW newsroom here in Bonn.<\/p>\n<p>You join us as we follow the plight of a humpback whale stranded off the coast of the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein.<\/p>\n<p>Special machinery is on its way, but it&#8217;s a race against time to save the animal that became stuck in shallow water on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>Stay with us for the latest on this and other news from Germany.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"bp605kw start\"><span class=\"svdcmki\">https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5B3q9<\/span><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"h4zlaoh bp605kw center\">\n<div role=\"button\" data-tracking-name=\"show-more\" class=\"show-more-button s1va3u11 t1y9040i m7i2pic e3w9kkf b19vsmfu cx4rgdt ih9bob8 disabled sngcpkw w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">Show more posts<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<ul>\n<li>A humpback whale has\u00a0 been stranded on a sandbank in L\u00fcbeck Bay since Monday<\/li>\n<li>New equipment is on the way to help with dredging efforts to free the marine mammal<\/li>\n<li>Highway closures in North Rhine-Westphalia as police accompany a convoy transporting nuclear waste\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><em>Here are the biggest headlines from across <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em>\u00a0on Wednesday, March 25.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em>Here are the biggest headlines from across <\/em><a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany\/t-17871182\">Germany<\/a><em>\u00a0on Wednesday, March 25.<\/em><\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>House\u00a0prices in Germany have increased again, marking a continued recovery after <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-house-and-apartment-prices-drop-further\/a-69438838\">recent declines<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Federal Statistical Office, residential property prices in the fourth quarter of 2025 were up 3.0% compared with a year earlier, the fifth consecutive quarterly rise year-on-year.<\/p>\n<p>Prices edged up 0.1% from the previous quarter, while the annual average for 2025 rose 3.2%, the first yearly increase since 2022 after declines in 2023 and 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Growth was strongest in rural areas, where apartment prices rose 5.4%, compared with 4.8% in large cities and 2.1% in Germany\u2019s seven biggest urban centers \u2014 Berlin, Cologne, D\u00fcsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart.<\/p>\n<p>On a quarterly basis, prices fell 1.6% in major cities but climbed 2.6% in rural regions, showing a shift in demand.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>House\u00a0prices in Germany have increased again, marking a continued recovery after <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/german-house-and-apartment-prices-drop-further\/a-69438838\">recent declines<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Federal Statistical Office, residential property prices in the fourth quarter of 2025 were up 3.0% compared with a year earlier, the fifth consecutive quarterly rise year-on-year.<\/p>\n<p>Prices edged up 0.1% from the previous quarter, while the annual average for 2025 rose 3.2%, the first yearly increase since 2022 after declines in 2023 and 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Growth was strongest in rural areas, where apartment prices rose 5.4%, compared with 4.8% in large cities and 2.1% in Germany\u2019s seven biggest urban centers \u2014 Berlin, Cologne, D\u00fcsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Stuttgart.<\/p>\n<p>On a quarterly basis, prices fell 1.6% in major cities but climbed 2.6% in rural regions, showing a shift in demand.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76517094\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517094_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Police accompanying the radioactive cargo\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The operation is the start of a series of transports, with 151 more Castor containers to be moved<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Christoph Reichwein\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>German police have mounted a large-scale operation to escort the first nuclear waste transport from\u00a0an ex-research reactor site in the western city of J\u00fclich in\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/north-rhine-westphalia\/t-18943637\">North Rhine-Westphalia<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Around 100 vehicles, including dozens of police units, formed a convoy protecting the heavy-load transporter carrying the radioactive cargo on its way to\u00a0an interim storage facility in the town of Ahaus.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities deployed extensive security measures, with officers guarding access points and even mobile toilets included in the convoy.<\/p>\n<p>Highway exits were repeatedly closed, leaving drivers with limited options and in some cases forcing them to turn around.<\/p>\n<p>The operation marks the start of a series of transports, with 151 more Castor containers set to be moved to the Ahaus interim storage site.<\/p>\n<p>Police deployed about 2,400 officers, while unions warned of potential strain on personnel amid growing security demands.<\/p>\n<p>The first container reached Ahaus after about four hours, as small groups of protesters demonstrated along the route and at the destination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>German police have mounted a large-scale operation to escort the first nuclear waste transport from\u00a0an ex-research reactor site in the western city of J\u00fclich in\u00a0<a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/north-rhine-westphalia\/t-18943637\">North Rhine-Westphalia<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Around 100 vehicles, including dozens of police units, formed a convoy protecting the heavy-load transporter carrying the radioactive cargo on its way to\u00a0an interim storage facility in the town of Ahaus.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities deployed extensive security measures, with officers guarding access points and even mobile toilets included in the convoy.<\/p>\n<p>Highway exits were repeatedly closed, leaving drivers with limited options and in some cases forcing them to turn around.<\/p>\n<p>The operation marks the start of a series of transports, with 151 more Castor containers set to be moved to the Ahaus interim storage site.<\/p>\n<p>Police deployed about 2,400 officers, while unions warned of potential strain on personnel amid growing security demands.<\/p>\n<p>The first container reached Ahaus after about four hours, as small groups of protesters demonstrated along the route and at the destination.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76517449\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517449_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"Four activists from the environmental group suspended from a massive construction crane\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\">The activists mounted a 100-square-meter banner, visible from afar<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Michael Kappeler\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Early Wednesday morning, four activists from the environmental group Greenpeace were suspended from a massive construction crane right next to the Chancellery in Berlin \u2014 a crane that has been there for some time due to renovations at the building, which was swaying dangerously in the fierce wind on this gloomy morning.<\/p>\n<p>The activists mounted a 100-square-meter (around 1000 square feet)\u00a0banner, visible from afar above the government district, reading: &#8220;Freedom instead of fossil fuel politics.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>They want to draw attention to what they see as the shortcomings in the new climate protection program of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Chancellor Friedrich Merz&#8217;s<\/a> government, which is set to be approved by the cabinet at midday this Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>By 2030, the government promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% compared to 1990 levels; 48% of that target has already been achieved. But Greenpeace is certain: the 65% target is virtually impossible to meet.<\/p>\n<p>Greenpeace energy expert Mira J\u00e4ger wrote in a press statement released simultaneously with the crane protest:\u00a0 &#8220;There is a looming massive gap in the CO2 targets. So far, no measures are known that could even begin to close this gap. The rising prices for fuel and gas show everyone: The climate protection program must provide a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. We cannot afford to &#8216;carry on as usual,&#8217;\u00a0neither ecologically nor economically.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Early Wednesday morning, four activists from the environmental group Greenpeace were suspended from a massive construction crane right next to the Chancellery in Berlin \u2014 a crane that has been there for some time due to renovations at the building, which was swaying dangerously in the fierce wind on this gloomy morning.<\/p>\n<p>The activists mounted a 100-square-meter (around 1000 square feet)\u00a0banner, visible from afar above the government district, reading: &#8220;Freedom instead of fossil fuel politics.&#8221;\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>They want to draw attention to what they see as the shortcomings in the new climate protection program of <a class=\"internal-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/friedrich-merz\/t-60575802\">Chancellor Friedrich Merz&#8217;s<\/a> government, which is set to be approved by the cabinet at midday this Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>By 2030, the government promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 65% compared to 1990 levels; 48% of that target has already been achieved. But Greenpeace is certain: the 65% target is virtually impossible to meet.<\/p>\n<p>Greenpeace energy expert Mira J\u00e4ger wrote in a press statement released simultaneously with the crane protest:\u00a0 &#8220;There is a looming massive gap in the CO2 targets. So far, no measures are known that could even begin to close this gap. The rising prices for fuel and gas show everyone: The climate protection program must provide a clear roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels. We cannot afford to &#8216;carry on as usual,&#8217;\u00a0neither ecologically nor economically.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<figure class=\"placeholder-image master_landscape big\"><img data-format=\"MASTER_LANDSCAPE\" data-id=\"76517295\" data-url=\"https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517295_${formatId}.jpg\" data-aspect-ratio=\"16\/9\" alt=\"The stranded whale off the Baltic coast\"><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"> The 10-meter-long humpback whale is probably a young male<small class=\"copyright\">Image: Jens B\u00fcttner\/dpa\/picture alliance<\/small><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A stranded humpback whale has been fighting for survival off Niendorf beach in northern Germany, with rescuers forced to wait for better equipment.<\/p>\n<p>A rescue attempt with a suction dredger failed because it was not powerful enough to remove the compact sand.\u00a0Larger machinery is expected to arrive, likely on Thursday, to continue efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Carsten Mannheimer\u00a0from the marine conservation organization Sea Shepherd said the situation was\u00a0difficult. &#8220;I would like to do more,&#8221; he said, adding that there was\u00a0little to do for now.<\/p>\n<p>The group said the animal\u00a0probably got stuck while migrating, and that it might be the same whale repeatedly sighted in the area this month.<\/p>\n<p>The young whale has been stuck on a sandbank since Monday, with its back visible above water and its low sounds audible from hundreds of meters away.<\/p>\n<p>Mannheimer said such incidents are hard to prevent, though improved equipment could help, adding he still hopes the whale will make it back to deeper water.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>A stranded humpback whale has been fighting for survival off Niendorf beach in northern Germany, with rescuers forced to wait for better equipment.<\/p>\n<p>A rescue attempt with a suction dredger failed because it was not powerful enough to remove the compact sand.\u00a0Larger machinery is expected to arrive, likely on Thursday, to continue efforts.<\/p>\n<p>Carsten Mannheimer\u00a0from the marine conservation organization Sea Shepherd said the situation was\u00a0difficult. &#8220;I would like to do more,&#8221; he said, adding that there was\u00a0little to do for now.<\/p>\n<p>The group said the animal\u00a0probably got stuck while migrating, and that it might be the same whale repeatedly sighted in the area this month.<\/p>\n<p>The young whale has been stuck on a sandbank since Monday, with its back visible above water and its low sounds audible from hundreds of meters away.<\/p>\n<p>Mannheimer said such incidents are hard to prevent, though improved equipment could help, adding he still hopes the whale will make it back to deeper water.<\/p>\n<div data-tracking-skip=\"true\" data-tracking-name=\"rich-text\" class=\"post-rich-text c17j8gzx rc0m0op r1ebneao s198y7xq rich-text l1evdo4u blt0baw s16w0xvi rcjjkz7 w128axg5 b1fzgn0z\">\n<p>Guten Tag from the DW newsroom here in Bonn.<\/p>\n<p>You join us as we follow the plight of a humpback whale stranded off the coast of the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein.<\/p>\n<p>Special machinery is on its way, but it&#8217;s a race against time to save the animal that became stuck in shallow water on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>Stay with us for the latest on this and other news from Germany.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Guten Tag from the DW newsroom here in Bonn.<\/p>\n<p>You join us as we follow the plight of a humpback whale stranded off the coast of the northern state of Schleswig-Holstein.<\/p>\n<p>Special machinery is on its way, but it&#8217;s a race against time to save the animal that became stuck in shallow water on Monday.<\/p>\n<p>Stay with us for the latest on this and other news from Germany.<\/p>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.dw.com\/en\/germany-news-race-against-time-for-stranded-humpback-whale\/live-76517488&#8243;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/static.dw.com\/image\/76517823_6.jpg&#8221;] https:\/\/p.dw.com\/p\/5B3h2 Rescue efforts are still underway after dredging efforts proved insufficientImage: Ulrich Perrey\/dpa\/picture alliance Skip next section What you need to know What you need to know A humpback whale has\u00a0 been stranded on a sandbank in L\u00fcbeck Bay since Monday New equipment is on the way to help with dredging efforts [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,74],"class_list":["post-1845829","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dw-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1845829","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1845829"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1845829\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1845829"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1845829"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1845829"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}