The Cornerstone of a Coal-free Future
Mikuláš Černík
Summary: The post-war development of the former socialist countries of Central and Eastern Europe was shaped by the industrial exploitation of coal. Despite the social and economic transformation, Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic still produce the majority of coal in the EU today. However, in recent years in particular, coal, as one of the most significant sources of greenhouse gases, has been cause for concern with regard to climate disruption, rather than as fuel for economic development. Across Europe, public pressure for an early and orderly end to coal mining and burning is growing, as seen, for example, in the number and size of protests. Economic signals, such as the steep rise in the price of emission allowances, and political commitments to reduce emissions are also undermining the prospects for coal use in the future. If the European Union really wants to become a global climate leader, it must also face its coal reliance and offer its inhabitants a viable prospect for the phase-out of coal.
The Turów brown coal open-cast mine, located in the triangle between German Zittau, Polish Bogatyn and Czech Hrádek nad Nisou, puts the area at the epicentre of international attention. The surface mine covers about 12 square kilometres, and between 7.5 and 10 million tonnes of coal were mined annually. This compares to roughly a quarter of the total Czech lignite production, which was 38 million tonnes in 2017.
The Turów case shows that the fears and resulting activism of local people can significantly influence the plans of energy companies. Listening to the concerns of ordinary people on all three sides of the border must be the basis for seeking understanding among local people, but also for setting the boundaries of environmental exploitation. The concerns of local people may be closer to each other than they may appear when viewed through the media.