Between Cologne and Aachen is situated an open-pit brown coal mine, run by the energy cooperation RWE. For decades, the company has been clear cutting the adjacent Hambach forest, one of the oldest and diverse forests of Germany. Only one tenth of the original forest still remains and is being defended by many activists who built and occupied tree houses. The Hambach forest is a landmark for climate action and symbolizes the fighting against fossil fuels, since the Rhineland mines are the biggest source of CO2 emissions in Europe. According to recent estimations, Germany will not fulfill its goal of reducing its greenhouse gas emission by 40% until 2020 (Deutsche Welle, 2018). The government supports the coal giant RWE’s interests by installing police forces who expelled climate activists violently and unrightfully from the forest and recently cut down the treehouses. Personally, I admire the commitment the activists demonstrate and the risks they accept, in order to fight against the few who profit from environmental destruction. I wanted to make a statement and support the action for the Hambach forest and decided to travel to a huge demonstration on the 6th of October. The demonstration was organized to prevent that RWE cut down the trees on the beginning of the clearing period in October. At first, the protest was not authorized, but a day before, a surprising emergency court ruling was made: the demonstration could happen and the clearing will be paused until 2020 so the court has more time to evaluate the complaint brought by the German organization BUND. Good news for everyone (but RWE). The protest on Saturday was a peaceful one with many interesting speeches, little police, and over 50.000 people. Overall, the protest was a festival-like celebration of the court ruling - but with everyone knowing that this decision was only a milestone on the way towards a fossil-free, sustainable future.

For further information/Bibliography:

Articles:

Germany to miss 2020 greenhouse gas emissions target. Deutsche Welle. 13.06.2018. https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-miss-2020-greenhouse-gas-emissions-targ... https://unearthed.greenpeace.org/2018/10/03/how-germany-quietly-turned-a...

Activists:

https://www.ende-gelaende