The city is extremely bike-friendly, making it easy to get places by bike. I started renting a bike when I moved here, too!
A main source of gas for Germans comes from the Nord Stream 1 pipeline that runs from Russia to Germany. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Russia started to cut off the gas coming through the pipeline, stating that it was due to pipeline leaks. Construction on the new Nord Stream 2 pipeline was completed in 2021, but in 2022, the German chancellor prevented the pipeline from beginning operation so that Germany would not depend on Russian oil. This began the energy crisis that Germany now faces, as it will have to find other fuel sources to use in the foreseeable future.
Throughout the country, people are having discussions about how to save energy this year. Some proposed limiting the lights at Christmas markets, which did not end up happening. There were not many Christmas decorations on houses in town, though, and many people did not turn on the heat in their homes until they absolutely had to. In the lab, we have multiple reminders to turn off equipment when it is not being used. This action is an easy way to save energy, but it is less prevalent in labs in the U.S. Everyone is doing their own part, which will help the country get through the winter.
