I think the developers are really smart about those design choices. Pollution and alien relations are not something you can control in the game. They are just an effect of playing the game. You are focused of producing more stuff in order to unlock tools to allow you to produce even more stuff.
If you could somehow manage the pollution levels, the ecological message would be weaker. It would mean that you can still increase your production as much as you like and still keep the planet peaceful and green. In factorio the only way to keep a peaceful environment is not to play. If you want to launch a rocket, you will need to destroy forest and alien nests.
The game commentary about pollution & colonialism is stronger because those elements are inevitable. Want to expand to get this new iron mine? First equip a flamethrower and burn down the area.
> 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.
If you could somehow manage the pollution levels, the ecological message would be weaker. It would mean that you can still increase your production as much as you like and still keep the planet peaceful and green. In factorio the only way to keep a peaceful environment is not to play. If you want to launch a rocket, you will need to destroy forest and alien nests.
The game commentary about pollution & colonialism is stronger because those elements are inevitable. Want to expand to get this new iron mine? First equip a flamethrower and burn down the area.