> Pollution and alien relations are not something you can control in the game.
You can (besides using the map creation settings). I've build a big factory without suffering attacks. You can control pollution by using solar (exclusively), efficiency modules and strategic building (build near forest, don't destoy them, they absorb pollution). I did give myself a headstart with a big starting area and lots of forest. And since the requirement to farm aliens for resources has been removed a while ago, there is no reason to attack and agitate them, reducing their agressiveness and expansion.
It does make the game harder and more fun in a way.
Solar is pretty early/mid game. Only red/green science is needed and for construction coper, iron and steel. Of course before you get to solar you need steam first. But with a bigger start area and enough trees, pollution can be managed until you can go solar.
You can (besides using the map creation settings). I've build a big factory without suffering attacks. You can control pollution by using solar (exclusively), efficiency modules and strategic building (build near forest, don't destoy them, they absorb pollution). I did give myself a headstart with a big starting area and lots of forest. And since the requirement to farm aliens for resources has been removed a while ago, there is no reason to attack and agitate them, reducing their agressiveness and expansion.
It does make the game harder and more fun in a way.