Archive for the ‘Economy’ Category

Solar Power Solves Public Transport Problems In Germany

Monday, February 22nd, 2010

We Germans are some of the most environmentally conscious citizens on the planet. We recycle more than other developed nations, invest millions of euros in green energy expansion, and actively protect our green spaces from pollution. The country leads the world in solar power production, and is the world’s top photovoltaics installer — if planet Earth holds still, we Germans will try to put a solar panel on it! ;-)

As an example of this in action, you need look no further than the way solar power is used to solve transportation issues in Germany. It goes far beyond simply installing solar powered roadside lights and road signs. Instead, we Germans use solar power to run some of our largest and most notable ferries.

In Hamburg, for example, the solar powered shuttle has been operating since 2000. It can move up to 120 people across the river at speeds of up to 15 km/hr. The sleek needle shape is 42 meters long, and has a pontoon style layout with bench seating.

Many people compare it to the famous Serpentine shuttle in Hyde Park, completely unaware that the 14.5 meter British ferry is a miniature of the Hamburg model constructed by Christoph Behling!

Further south, a catamaran style solar shuttle operates on Lake Constance. With a spiraled translucent top, you can enjoy the beautiful shorelines of the lake as you make your transfers between Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Although the shuttle holds up to 60 people, with the clear sides you will feel as though you are floating alone on the water, and be able to get some stunning photographs.

These are just a few of the green innovations in use in Germany as solutions to the pollution many public transportation systems cause. Thus, when you explore Germany using public transport, you get the satisfaction of supporting some of the world’s most cutting-edge installations of solar power. :-)

—Marcus

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What’s Going On With The German Economy?

Friday, June 19th, 2009

All over the world, the economy is big news. It’s no different in Germany… or is it?

Get a group of people sitting together in a beer garden discussing the state of the world and the economy is going to be a front and center topic. So what do you need to know? How should you react?

First, the need-to-know items. Some of them you have seen in the news, usually as a screaming headline. These include such fun statistics as:

  • “World Tourist Organization says European Tourism down 8%”
  • “German GDP Shrinks 3.8% in Q1 2009″
  • “German Exports Plunge More Than 9% Since 2008″

All of these items look bad on TV and allow the talking heads to look gravely concerned and talk in somber tones before switching over to sports and weather. But what is the true situation on the ground?

The reality is that for most people life is proceeding as normal. There is an added air of caution with major expenditures, but that is not so unusual. Germany has been through a number of ups and downs economically over the years and so caution is a natural part of the pattern.

Additionally, while things are slowing globally, the German economy is on an upswing overall. Yes, this quarter or even this year may not deliver outstanding growth of the kind the stockbrokers want. But, compared to past years things are still following a general uptrend.

For example, if you look back to the time when the Wall came down, unemployment rates were around 15%, especially in the North East of the country. Now, the national rates are 9.6%. This is an remarkable improvement, although American and British analysts react to the number with shock because they come from a different perspective. ;-)

Further, 72% of the German working age population works. By way of comparison, in the US, only 66% of the working age population works, even though they have a lower official unemployment rate.

So you see, numbers are still relative.

Thus, moving around and doing business in Germany you will still find a strong economy and bustling trade. You shouldn’t feel as though there is a major economic crisis about to end the world at any time. Instead, enjoy Germany’s fine infrastructure, well-ordered business life and beautiful scenery! :-)

—Marcus

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