Social Climate Summit

Background

Fossil fuels are the main source of energy in Poland. With over twelve active coal-fired power plants, Upper Silesia is a region with extreme coal utilisation. Citizens have divided views on the use of coal, especially concerning its consequences. On the one hand, air pollution and health restrictions are criticised. But many people in the region also see the climate debate as a threat to their economic security. A successful structural change can only be achieved if the population is also convinced of climate protection measures.

Project

Building on the tools and solutions of the environmental NGO BoMiasto, the project plans a comprehensive programme to support and mentor selected NGOs and stakeholders in the region to establish a regional Climate Speakers Network.

Activities include capacity building events and workshops as well as regular dialogues with the participants. Climate actions will be key topic of the activities, aiming to demonstrate possible pathways for a region’s shift to clean energy. The eight-month-long project focusses on a clean energy transition and its benefits, providing good examples to Silesia to reach a path beyond coal. Within the framework of the “Green Idea Lab” programme, actors define strategies and activities that are supported by the mentoring programme.

Furthermore, the project includes a comprehensive awareness-raising programme, which focuses on the positive consequences of a fair and equitable transition plan. This plan fosters rapid exit from coal and at the same time support communities and workers. On top, it enables the formation of a group of 30 in the Katowice Region to advance the debate on a visionary energy transition.

There will be a public film screening on climate change as well as a photo exhibition on air pollution.

Last update: April 2024