Thousands of German protesters faced off with police last month to stop giant excavators like this one at the RWE lignite mine, in Hambach, from further diminishing the area’s 1 200-year-old forest. Demand for coal and lignite has intensified following government’s decision to phase out nuclear power. Germany’s 65% renewable-energy aspiration has set the stage for further tension in places like Hambach, where police have been tearing down protesters’ tree houses. The authorities are expected to go all out to balance climate protection with affordable power to keep voters on board.