Rhineland lignite mines
North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany · 50.91°, 6.50° · Fossil fuels
Europe's largest open-pit mines dig brown coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel, swallowing forests and villages.
The Hambach, Garzweiler and Inden mines supply lignite to some of Europe's biggest carbon-emitting power plants. Expansion has demolished villages and most of the ancient Hambach Forest, sparking years of protest. Germany has legislated a coal exit by 2038 at the latest, with 2030 targeted for this region.
In the game
Rhineland lignite mines flares up as Toxic air. The fix is a gesture: tap when the ring hits the green zone. Done right, it becomes Air cleared 🌤️. Finish all three steps of its chain in one round for a combo, or take your time in Explore mode: a place you fully restore stays green on your map for good.
🧭 Fly there and restore it▶ Play a 60-second round