The unwanted invasion - environmentalists take up the fight against non-indigenous pests | People & Politics

It looks harmless enough, it's green and on average about 80 cm high, but ragweed is one of the most allergenic plants in Germany. The weed, which is not indigenous to Germany, poses a challenge. The authorities have started paying unemployed people a small wage to go out with spades and lawnmowers and hunt down the plants. But ragweed is not the only problem, more and more non-indigenous pests are creating problems.