Author: Sophie Wenkel

In cities like Zurich, Barcelona, or Bari, entire apartment buildings are turning into Airbnb hotspots. Vienna has managed to contain this trend. The city made it clear early on: apartments are not investment objects – they are places to live. In residential zones, short-term rentals are only allowed with official permission – and that permission […]

Just a few years ago, Paris was known for its thick layer of smog. Diesel exhaust and fine dust made it one of the most polluted capital cities in Europe. But today, the French capital tells a different story. Strict emission rules, speed limits, diesel bans, and fewer parking spaces have cleaned up the air—and […]

While many small towns are losing their last pub, Freyung in Bavaria is telling a different story. Locals saved their brewery, built a community sauna, and are now turning an abandoned tavern into a lively cultural center. Their tool for success? Cooperatives. These not only preserve buildings – they also build lasting community bonds. From […]

While many countries struggle to contain housing costs, Austria is setting an example of how governments can step in to make living affordable again. The new coalition of the conservative ÖVP, the center-left SPÖ, and the liberal NEOS has agreed on a set of landmark housing reforms. These include a rent freeze in 2025 for […]

In the Bavarian village of Amerang, distances are long and buses rarely run. So, is it possible to live in the countryside without owning a car? Amerang proves that it is: 22 households share just three cars. What began as a temporary fix has become a model for community-driven, climate-friendly mobility. Similar carsharing projects in […]

The British city of Bradford proves that environmental protection benefits both public health and the economy. Since introducing its Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in 2022, the city has significantly improved air quality. The results speak for themselves: a 25% drop in doctor visits and annual healthcare savings exceeding €420,000. Bradford Redefines Traffic Rules in Its […]

The Aral Sea was once one of the largest lakes in the world. But within just a few decades, human actions nearly dried it up. The surrounding regions in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have faced drought, soil salinization, and severe sandstorms. However, in recent years, international cooperation has given the Aral Sea a second chance. Large-scale […]

Power outages – hardly imaginable in many parts of the world today. Yet in rural regions of East Africa, a lack of reliable energy was long an everyday reality. Today, however, communal solar power systems are transforming lives: they provide clean electricity that not only protects the climate but also improves health, education, and economic […]

The European Court of Justice (ECJ) has issued a historic EU transgender rights ruling. It requires all EU member states to recognize legal gender and name changes made in other EU countries. This is a major step forward for transgender rights in Europe. The ruling ensures fair treatment for individuals who have legally changed their […]