Environmental Sustainability
#30Key Findings
Poland is the SGI 2024’s worst performer (rank 30) in the area of environmental sustainability.
The state’s climate strategy aims for a long-term path of low emissions by 2040, but lacks a deadline for climate neutrality. It contains modest goals for 2030, including an increase in the renewables share from 21% to 23%. Observers say the country’s actual emissions are likely to significantly overshoot targets under current trajectories.
The country has opposed key EU climate regulations since 2015. Despite EU obligations, no independent bodies oversee climate policy progress in Poland. The 2030 National Environmental Policy focuses on numerous areas of conversation and sustainability, but air quality and waste management remain particular areas of concern.
Poland currently exceeds EU averages with regard to quantities of protected land and marine territory. However, balancing conservation efforts with industrial and agricultural needs remains challenging. The PiS government did not prioritize international environmental commitments in its foreign policy.
The state’s climate strategy aims for a long-term path of low emissions by 2040, but lacks a deadline for climate neutrality. It contains modest goals for 2030, including an increase in the renewables share from 21% to 23%. Observers say the country’s actual emissions are likely to significantly overshoot targets under current trajectories.
The country has opposed key EU climate regulations since 2015. Despite EU obligations, no independent bodies oversee climate policy progress in Poland. The 2030 National Environmental Policy focuses on numerous areas of conversation and sustainability, but air quality and waste management remain particular areas of concern.
Poland currently exceeds EU averages with regard to quantities of protected land and marine territory. However, balancing conservation efforts with industrial and agricultural needs remains challenging. The PiS government did not prioritize international environmental commitments in its foreign policy.
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How committed is the government to the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
Poland’s 2030 National Environmental Policy (Ministry of Climate 2019) identifies climate change as a pivotal factor impacting socioeconomic development. Despite this, the country lacks a set deadline for its climate neutrality goal in national strategic documents. The energy policy looking ahead to 2040 aims for a long-term low-emissions path and climate neutrality based on national possibilities, specifically citing the current energy mix structure and high social costs.
The key strategy guiding Poland’s climate policy is the 2021 – 2030 National Energy and Climate Plan. This plan targets a 7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in sectors outside the EU Emissions Trading System from 2005 levels, a 21% to 23% share of renewable energy sources in gross final energy consumption, and a 23% reduction in final energy consumption. Unfortunately, because of a lack of time overlap, most 2019 national sectoral strategies do not align with these goals. Additionally, sector-specific strategies like the 2022 Long-Term Building Renovation and Productivity Strategies document provide general directions without including specific climate targets.
Instrat’s 2021 report forecasts that by 2030, Poland’s potential CO2 emissions may exceed targets by 529 million tons without intervention (Wrona 2021). Policy shortcomings contribute to this projection, including continued subsidization of coal, constraints on renewable energy development, the failure to phase out high-emission vehicles and ineffective transportation electrification.
Poland is obligated to follow EU climate protection legislation, but since 2015, it has opposed key regulations primarily due to perceived flaws in legislative procedures. Under the EU’s binding climate and energy legislation, Poland submitted its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for the 2021 – 2030 period in December 2019. In 2020, the European Commission assessed each NECP, including Poland’s final version from December 2019.
In July 2023, Poland contested three major EU climate policies, claiming that they would create social inequalities. These policies included a ban on new CO2-emitting car sales in the EU from 2035, national emissions-cutting targets and the reform of the EU carbon market (Jones 2023).
Poland’s public procurement aligns with EU standards with regard to environmental and climate impacts. The cost criterion incorporates methods like life-cycle cost accounting, encompassing all relevant costs, including those associated with environmental effects, provided their monetary value is determinable. Despite EU obligations, no independent bodies oversee climate policy progress in Poland. Advisory bodies such as the State Council for Environmental Protection and the Youth Climate Council exist, but courts do not review progress toward meeting climate targets. Citizens have limited recourse in this regard, as the constitution lacks explicit provisions granting everyone the right to a clean environment and enabling them to demand that authorities implement environmental protection measures, and does not impose sanctions for inaction.
Citations:
Jones, M. 2023. “Poland asks EU Court of Justice to cancel three EU climate policies.” https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/08/28/poland-asks-eu-court-of-justice-to-cancel-three-eu-climate-policies
Ministry of Climate. 2019. “The 2030 National Environmental Policy.” https://bip.mos.gov.pl/fileadmin/user_upload/bip/strategie_plany_programy/Polityka_Ekologiczna_Panstwa/Polityka%20Ekologiczna%20Pa%C5%84stwa%202030%20ENG_wersja%20internet.pdf
Wrona, A. 2021. “Stracona szansa. Zaniedbania w polskiej polityce klimatycznej.” https://instrat.pl/zaniedbania-klimatyczne/#
The key strategy guiding Poland’s climate policy is the 2021 – 2030 National Energy and Climate Plan. This plan targets a 7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in sectors outside the EU Emissions Trading System from 2005 levels, a 21% to 23% share of renewable energy sources in gross final energy consumption, and a 23% reduction in final energy consumption. Unfortunately, because of a lack of time overlap, most 2019 national sectoral strategies do not align with these goals. Additionally, sector-specific strategies like the 2022 Long-Term Building Renovation and Productivity Strategies document provide general directions without including specific climate targets.
Instrat’s 2021 report forecasts that by 2030, Poland’s potential CO2 emissions may exceed targets by 529 million tons without intervention (Wrona 2021). Policy shortcomings contribute to this projection, including continued subsidization of coal, constraints on renewable energy development, the failure to phase out high-emission vehicles and ineffective transportation electrification.
Poland is obligated to follow EU climate protection legislation, but since 2015, it has opposed key regulations primarily due to perceived flaws in legislative procedures. Under the EU’s binding climate and energy legislation, Poland submitted its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) for the 2021 – 2030 period in December 2019. In 2020, the European Commission assessed each NECP, including Poland’s final version from December 2019.
In July 2023, Poland contested three major EU climate policies, claiming that they would create social inequalities. These policies included a ban on new CO2-emitting car sales in the EU from 2035, national emissions-cutting targets and the reform of the EU carbon market (Jones 2023).
Poland’s public procurement aligns with EU standards with regard to environmental and climate impacts. The cost criterion incorporates methods like life-cycle cost accounting, encompassing all relevant costs, including those associated with environmental effects, provided their monetary value is determinable. Despite EU obligations, no independent bodies oversee climate policy progress in Poland. Advisory bodies such as the State Council for Environmental Protection and the Youth Climate Council exist, but courts do not review progress toward meeting climate targets. Citizens have limited recourse in this regard, as the constitution lacks explicit provisions granting everyone the right to a clean environment and enabling them to demand that authorities implement environmental protection measures, and does not impose sanctions for inaction.
Citations:
Jones, M. 2023. “Poland asks EU Court of Justice to cancel three EU climate policies.” https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/08/28/poland-asks-eu-court-of-justice-to-cancel-three-eu-climate-policies
Ministry of Climate. 2019. “The 2030 National Environmental Policy.” https://bip.mos.gov.pl/fileadmin/user_upload/bip/strategie_plany_programy/Polityka_Ekologiczna_Panstwa/Polityka%20Ekologiczna%20Pa%C5%84stwa%202030%20ENG_wersja%20internet.pdf
Wrona, A. 2021. “Stracona szansa. Zaniedbania w polskiej polityce klimatycznej.” https://instrat.pl/zaniedbania-klimatyczne/#
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How committed is the government to protecting the public from environmental health risks?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to the goal of protecting environmental health.
Poland’s environmental strategy is centered on the 2030 National Environmental Policy, established by the Ministry of Climate in 2019. The policy utilizes the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) as a metric, with the goal of achieving a score above 70 out of 100 by 2030. Divided into 13 strategic goals, the strategy covers diverse areas such as sustainable water and forest management, waste reduction, and air pollution control. Key objectives focus on improving various indicators, including surface water quality, groundwater chemical status, sewage system usage and air quality.
While aligning with EU standards in areas like PM2 exposure and waste management, Poland lags in the EPI rankings, particularly in the areas of air quality, sanitation and waste management. Air quality poses a significant challenge, with the Polish Smog Alert (2023) estimating that approximately 40,000 premature deaths take place annually due to air pollution, reducing overall life expectancy by about nine months. The Supreme Audit Office (NIK 2023) has acknowledged shortcomings in the area of waste management, leading to reprimands from the European Commission.
The Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection Monitoring is tasked with monitoring environmental progress, using a methodology applied by the European Commission, the OECD and the EEA since 1992. The Strategic Program for State Environmental Monitoring (2020 – 2025) emphasized the integration of emissions data from public statistics systems, such as the National Center for Emissions Management (KOBiZE) for air emissions and the State Water Holding (Wody Polskie) water cadaster for water. Environmental protection authorities, including mayors, district governors and ministers, operate in a decentralized manner. They collaborate with specialized bodies like the State Council for Environmental Protection and the National Center for Emissions Management.
However, decentralization has placed a burden on municipalities, particularly regarding air quality policies. Responsibility has been delegated to the provincial level, with the provincial assembly enforcing air protection programs within its boundaries. This entails the preparation of draft resolutions and action plans, the involvement of relevant local authorities, and public participation. Overall, Poland faces multifaceted challenges in achieving its environmental goals with regard to addressing air pollution, waste management and water quality.
Citations:
Ministry of Climate. 2019. “The 2030 National Environmental Policy.” https://bip.mos.gov.pl/fileadmin/user_upload/bip/strategie_plany_programy/Polityka_Ekologiczna_Panstwa/Polityka%20Ekologiczna%20Pa%C5%84stwa%202030%20ENG_wersja%20internet.pdf
Naczelna Izba Kontroli, NIK. 2023. “Funkcjonowanie systemu gospodarki odpadami komunalnymi i poużytkowymi oraz transgraniczne przemieszczanie odpadów.” https://www.nik.gov.pl/kontrole/P/20/045/
Polish Smog Alert. 2023. “https://www.polishsmogalert.org/”
While aligning with EU standards in areas like PM2 exposure and waste management, Poland lags in the EPI rankings, particularly in the areas of air quality, sanitation and waste management. Air quality poses a significant challenge, with the Polish Smog Alert (2023) estimating that approximately 40,000 premature deaths take place annually due to air pollution, reducing overall life expectancy by about nine months. The Supreme Audit Office (NIK 2023) has acknowledged shortcomings in the area of waste management, leading to reprimands from the European Commission.
The Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection Monitoring is tasked with monitoring environmental progress, using a methodology applied by the European Commission, the OECD and the EEA since 1992. The Strategic Program for State Environmental Monitoring (2020 – 2025) emphasized the integration of emissions data from public statistics systems, such as the National Center for Emissions Management (KOBiZE) for air emissions and the State Water Holding (Wody Polskie) water cadaster for water. Environmental protection authorities, including mayors, district governors and ministers, operate in a decentralized manner. They collaborate with specialized bodies like the State Council for Environmental Protection and the National Center for Emissions Management.
However, decentralization has placed a burden on municipalities, particularly regarding air quality policies. Responsibility has been delegated to the provincial level, with the provincial assembly enforcing air protection programs within its boundaries. This entails the preparation of draft resolutions and action plans, the involvement of relevant local authorities, and public participation. Overall, Poland faces multifaceted challenges in achieving its environmental goals with regard to addressing air pollution, waste management and water quality.
Citations:
Ministry of Climate. 2019. “The 2030 National Environmental Policy.” https://bip.mos.gov.pl/fileadmin/user_upload/bip/strategie_plany_programy/Polityka_Ekologiczna_Panstwa/Polityka%20Ekologiczna%20Pa%C5%84stwa%202030%20ENG_wersja%20internet.pdf
Naczelna Izba Kontroli, NIK. 2023. “Funkcjonowanie systemu gospodarki odpadami komunalnymi i poużytkowymi oraz transgraniczne przemieszczanie odpadów.” https://www.nik.gov.pl/kontrole/P/20/045/
Polish Smog Alert. 2023. “https://www.polishsmogalert.org/”
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How committed is the government to preserving ecosystems and protecting biodiversity?
10
9
9
The government is clearly committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
8
7
6
7
6
The government is largely committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
5
4
3
4
3
The government is only somewhat committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
2
1
1
The government is not at all committed to protecting ecosystems and biodiversity.
Poland’s post-2004 approach to nature preservation combined efforts to protect the Białowieża Forest with a focus on addressing environmental challenges in industrialized Upper Silesia. The EU’s Biodiversity Strategy and related directives have guided Poland’s biodiversity norms, which are further outlined in the 2030 National Environmental Policy. The policy aims to achieve increased forest cover, sustainable forest management and other ecological goals by 2030. Poland exceeds EU averages with regard to land and marine protection, with 39.6% of the country’s land territory and 21.87% of its marine waters designated as protected areas. However, national parks account for only 1.1% of this total, ranking Poland 26th in Europe on this measure.
The Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection monitors key areas including bird habitat and forests. Efforts are underway to update marine water monitoring programs and synchronize activities related to environmental directives. Authorities at different levels oversee compliance with environmental protection regulations, with powers to conduct examinations and take legal action in case of violations (Euroaktiv 2023).
Poland faces challenges in balancing conservation efforts with industrial and agricultural needs, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of its environmental policies. Environmental issues include forest overexploitation (especially after 1989), unsustainable agricultural practices, overfishing and river biodiversity problems.
Citations:
https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/eu-court-orders-poland-to-change-its-forest-rules/
https://www.money.pl/gospodarka/drewno-z-polskich-lasow-ucieka-ze-statystyk-miliony-metrow-poza-rejestrem-6946719474031456a.html
The Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection monitors key areas including bird habitat and forests. Efforts are underway to update marine water monitoring programs and synchronize activities related to environmental directives. Authorities at different levels oversee compliance with environmental protection regulations, with powers to conduct examinations and take legal action in case of violations (Euroaktiv 2023).
Poland faces challenges in balancing conservation efforts with industrial and agricultural needs, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of its environmental policies. Environmental issues include forest overexploitation (especially after 1989), unsustainable agricultural practices, overfishing and river biodiversity problems.
Citations:
https://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/eu-court-orders-poland-to-change-its-forest-rules/
https://www.money.pl/gospodarka/drewno-z-polskich-lasow-ucieka-ze-statystyk-miliony-metrow-poza-rejestrem-6946719474031456a.html
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To what extent is the government committed and credible in designing and promoting global environmental protection regimes and policies?
10
9
9
Government policy and institutions are fully aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
8
7
6
7
6
Government policy and institutions are largely aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
5
4
3
4
3
Government policy and institutions are somewhat aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
2
1
1
Government policy and institutions are not at all aligned with efforts to achieve global environmental sustainability.
As was the case with national environmental actions, the PiS government did not prioritize international environmental commitments in its foreign policy. Poland lacked a distinct strategy for international environmental cooperation, but did participate in global initiatives. The Multiannual Development Cooperation Program 2021 – 2030 served as the framework for international environmental protection. The government primarily focused on an EU-level policy coherence for development approach, ensuring that sectoral policies aligned with sustainable development goals.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as additional ministries and offices collaborated on key action areas outlined in the Development Cooperation Plan for 2021 and 2022. Poland has engaged in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), participating in various initiatives and forums. The country has chaired the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties three times, emphasizing the social aspect of transitioning to a low-emission economy. The Ministry of Finance engaged in other climate action initiatives, including the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action and collaboration with climate funds.
Poland’s environmental transition projects focus on energy efficiency, municipal investments, renewable energy and postwar reconstruction assistance in Ukraine. Poland’s technological transfer extends through multilateral programs like the GreenEvo Program. While Poland’s development assistance programs were subject to evaluation through 2020, there has been no research on capacity-building since 2021.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs as well as additional ministries and offices collaborated on key action areas outlined in the Development Cooperation Plan for 2021 and 2022. Poland has engaged in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), participating in various initiatives and forums. The country has chaired the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties three times, emphasizing the social aspect of transitioning to a low-emission economy. The Ministry of Finance engaged in other climate action initiatives, including the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action and collaboration with climate funds.
Poland’s environmental transition projects focus on energy efficiency, municipal investments, renewable energy and postwar reconstruction assistance in Ukraine. Poland’s technological transfer extends through multilateral programs like the GreenEvo Program. While Poland’s development assistance programs were subject to evaluation through 2020, there has been no research on capacity-building since 2021.