We, the people, shape politics and public policy in manifold ways. More often than not, civil resistance has been the determining factor to turn the tide and prevent controversial projects from becoming reality. This panel seeks to explore the differences in the public’s approach to two major projects concerning fossil fuels: the Groningen gas field and the Garzweiler surface mine. One of these projects will soon be closed, whilst the other one is booming. What have been the deciding factors for this outcome?