January 15, 2023 - The German authorities sent police to clear the village of Luetzerath in Erkelenz for coal mining expansion. The village is to be vacated and razed for the expansion of nearby Garzweiler lignite coal mine. Climate activists are camping in the area to protest and resist the destruction of the village. Police has already used pepper spray on protesters and is likely to use water cannon and physical force in the future. The protesters have occupied houses, tree houses, and underground structures in the village to stop its demolition.