Braunkohle (lignite) is a low-quality soft coal that releases high levels of pollutants. It is found close to the surface, so it does not require underground mining and the dangers of tunnels. During the 1970's, its extensive use harmed forests and air quality throughout Germany.
The site above (at Hambach in Nordrhein-Westfalen) has been called "Europe's deepest hole." The machines which do the digging are huge, as you can tell if you look for the SUV and the person in the pictures below.
Of course, since all this coal is located right under populated areas, sometimes whole villages are "relocated," whether the residents want to or not. Nothing is "sacred," not even the churches.
Not everyone wants to leave, however!
Websuche
Go to the following site and use the questions below to learn how lignite coal has affected the environment and why the problem is not a simple one.
http://www.goethe.de/ges/umw/thm/en359069.htm
Approximately how many tons of sand and rock must be moved each year in order to gain about 180 million tons of coal?
How much earth has been moved from a mine south of Leipzig?
What happens to the land when lignite is mined?
Why is lignite so important to mine in Germany?
What are some main reasons to argue for lignite mining globally?
What are some main reasons to argue against lignite mining?
About how much money do taxpayers pay annually in costs related to lignite?
How does the WEC see the emissions problem being solved
Why is this not just a German problem?
Schriftliche Aufgabe Beantworte die Fragen auf Englisch. Diese Aufgabe hat 17 Punkte.
Wiederholung der kulturellen Informationen
Give the German words for various types of pollution.
die Luftverschmutzung, Wasserverschmuzung, Lärmbeschädigung
What is the word for a place with lots of signs?
der Schilderwald
What is the "Blauer Engel"?
A German symbol indicating an environmentally friendly product.
Why is its name easy to remember?
A famous movie had that name.
What is the "Euro-Blume"?
A European symbol indicating an environmentally friendly product.
What is the "RAL Gütezeichen Kompost"?
A symbol indicating the product is safe for the ground.
What is the "Grüner Punkt"?
A symbol indicating that the packaging of that product can be put into the Gelbe Tonne.
What is the "Gelbe Tonne"?
A special recycling bin for packaging with the "Grüner Punkt"
Which countries are considered "Alpine"?
Germany, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia
What bird symbolizes a natural area?
An owl
Which area in Switzerland has received international status as a natural monument?
The Aletsch Glacier
Which natural areas were mentioned on page 2D?
die Sächsische Schweiz, der Bayerische Wald, der Thüringer Wald, die Lüneburger Heide, der Harz, das Allgäu, der Spreewald und der Schweizer Nationalpark.
What is Schauinsland?
A high mountain in the Black Forest, but located within Freiburg's city limits.
Which animal is raised there for meat?
Wild boar
How has the air quality in Berlin changed since reunification?
It has improved, as not as much lignite is being burned.
Braunkohle (lignite) is a low-quality soft coal that releases high levels of pollutants. It is found close to the surface, so it does not require underground mining and the dangers of tunnels. During the 1970's, its extensive use harmed forests and air quality throughout Germany.
Websuche
Schriftliche Aufgabe
Wiederholung der kulturellen Informationen
