In the "New York Times" article, "Poland, Wedded to Coal, Spurns Europe on Clean Energy Targets" Poland demonstrates their dependence upon coal and fossil fuels for their countries energy. Much of the European Union is pushing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transfer to more sustainable mechanisms, following Germany's lead. However, Poland does not feel as if they are in the financial position to be able to do this and have a long bond with coal. It is important to note that Poland is no longer self-sufficient with coal (importing a good amount from Russia) and citizens are protesting the resulting air pollution from coal use.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/01/business/energy-environment/poland-wedded-to-coal-spurns-europe-on-clean-energy.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/01/business/energy-environment/poland-wedded-to-coal-spurns-europe-on-clean-energy.html?pagewanted=1&_r=0
This is definitely a problem that needs to be resolved. If Poland's own citizens are calling for a change, not just the EU, the Polish authorities really need to make a change. I also find it mildly disturbing that Poland engages in not just one bad practice but is also fighting against losing their fracking which is a definite environmental hazard.
ReplyDeleteI do find it very ironic that the UN is choosing Poland to hold their conference on climate change, seeing as how Poland is such a big contributor of carbon emissions which are definitely contributing to the climate change.
Once again we see Germany taking a lead in Europe in being progressive and making necessary changes, it is good to see them be an good example.
Something important Poland needs to consider is what will happen when coal and fossil fuel supplies become scarce and their prices skyrocket accordingly. Would it be cheaper for Poland to begin transitioning to renewable energy sources now or wait until resources expire and have the government abruptly perform a 180° turn on the fuel energies the country currently consumes? If Poland already has a fragile economy and as a result is dependent on other countries to help it perform regular duties, then I think postponing the switch to green energies could potentially lead to an economic and governmental "crash and burn" when unrenewable energy supplies run dry.
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