German village stands in midst of heated climate clash over coal

The small village of Lutzerath, in western Germany, is at the center of a heated clash between police and environmental activists. The hamlet is set to be demolished by German multinational energy company RWE, as part of a deal struck by the local and national governments.

The reason for the destruction of the village is to access the large supply of lignite, or brown coal, that lies beneath it. RWE argues that this material is necessary to extend the life of several power stations and guarantee Germany’s energy security.

Germany has been facing a shortage of energy since Russia cut gas supplies following Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. This move to compensate for that shortage is putting the current ruling party in an awkward position. When they came to power almost 13 months ago, they pledged to be the “greenest government ever,” but times have clearly changed.

Climate activists argue that the expansion of this coal mine is a betrayal of Germany’s international commitments to reduce emissions as agreed in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. The country is already on track to miss its ambitious targets for the second year in a row.

As the fate of the village comes to a close, riot police are clearing out protesters, some of whom are putting up a last fight while others are bidding farewell. The situation remains tense as environmentalists and the government struggle to find a solution that balances the need for energy security, and the protection of the environment.