The Documentary Podcast Assignment: The village that came back from the dead
Feb 18, 2025
Discover the haunting legacy of coal mining in Germany, where entire villages have vanished for fossil fuels. Hear emotional accounts from residents torn between nostalgia and an uncertain future. Explore the rise of environmental activism and its impact on communities. Witness the remarkable transformation of Morschenich into a sustainable haven as coal operations cease early. This gripping journey captures the struggle between industrial progress and the preservation of local heritage in the face of climate change.
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Bernd's Empty Home
- Bernd Zervos grew up in Morschenich, a village condemned for demolition due to coal mining.
- His family home, where generations lived, now stands empty and boarded up, evoking sadness.
Village's Downfall
- Morschenich's destruction stemmed from its location above a coal seam, necessitating opencast mining.
- The mining process involves removing the surface, including anything in its way, like villages.
Hambach Forest Protests
- The Hambach Forest became a symbol of resistance for climate activists.
- In 2018, large protests erupted as police evicted activists from treehouses, culminating in a 50,000-person demonstration.