The EU's Own China - Poland Has Biggest Coal Reserves, Worst Air Pollution In Europe

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A dark, heavy cloud hangs over the city, barring the sun from shining through and obstructing the historical architecture. Some residents, all too accustomed to the foul-smelling air, reach for their face masks. A “red alert” day in polluted Beijing?

No, this is the 7th-century city of Kraków in southern Poland. Though better known for the Wawel Castle and ornate churches of its Old Town, Kraków has quickly become Exhibit A of Polish dependence on coal. And as it does, it the focal point of a burgeoning environmental movement that aims to counter successive governments that have cared more about the economy than the climate.

As leaders scramble to reach a deal to limit global warming at a landmark climate summit in Paris, Poland has said that it is committed to reaching a pact, but not if it disproportionately impacts its economy. Many read its position as a sign that the current right-wing government, like its predecessors, is clinging to coal. Andrzej Duda, the Polish president, said recently that 90 percent of European coal deposits are located in Poland and that it could be enough to power the country for the next 200 years. “Coal is absolutely our fundamental energy resource and energy foundation, therefore an element of our energy sovereignty,” he told an advisory group.

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And on Thursday, the European Commission said it was referring Poland to the Court of Justice over its failure to meet EU-wide emissions standards. It cited persistently high dust particles levels that "pose a major risk to public health." In Paris at the COP21 climate conference, Prime Minister Beata Szydło said Poland wanted a deal, but one “that protects Polish economic interests.” The Ministry of Environment headed by Jan Szyszko, a member of the ruling Law & Justice party, declined to be interviewed for this piece.

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http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2015/1210/Echoing-Beijing-Poles-sound-the-alert-on-rampant-smog-video

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1. Interesting to see what the popes influence will be.

Climate change is a big priority for the pope.