Villagers Protest Against Coal Mine Expansion

GRABKO, GERMANY - JANUARY 05: Local residents and activists protesting against the expansion of a nearby coal mine march from the village of Grabko toward the neighboring village of Atterwasch on January 5, 2014 near Grabko, Germany. Three local villages - Kerkwitz, Grabko and Atterwasch - are scheduled for demolition and their residents for transfer and compensation to allow for the expansion of nearby open-pit coal mines, which are operated by Swedish energy conglomerate Vattenfall, that feed the Jaenschwalde power plant. Many locals are trying to stop the destruction of their villages, claiming that compensation will not replace their village life, while activists charge the coal mine expansion is unnecessary due to Germany's shift towards renewable energy sources. (Photo by Carsten Koall/Getty Images)