This problem is affecting Czech families living near the Polish Turów coal mine, which is causing drought, noise, dust, and flash floods. And the situation is about to get worse. Thousands of people are at risk of losing their access to drinking water. Many wells are already completely empty, and the area is drying out.

Despite the objections of the Czech Republic, operation of the mine was extended. That means Poland has been mining illegally since May 2020, and will continue to do so for the next 24 years.