Environment in focus
Since 1989, air pollution emanating from industrial sources has decreased by approximately 50 percent. Between 1989 and 1991, as inefficient mines and factories were closed, Polish industrial production decreased by over 35 percent. At the same time, there was a 35 percent decrease in energy consumption, and a major reduction in the emissions of major atmospheric pollutants - a reduction of about 25-33 percent.
In 1980, 3.26 metric tons of carbon was emitted per person; in 2001, the figure was 2.03 metric tons. The 2001 per capita carbon emissions were on par with western European countries such as Germany (2.71 metric tons of carbon emitted per person), France (1.83), the United Kingdom (2.59), and significantly below the United States (5.51).
As you read this, the Polish Parliament is hashing out the National Allocation Plan (NAP), due to be submitted to the EU at the end of April. The NAP will allocate quotas for greenhouse gas emissions in Poland until 2007, thereby improving the environment for us all.
So, what's the bad news?
In 1980, 3.26 metric tons of carbon was emitted per person; in 2001, the figure was 2.03 metric tons. The 2001 per capita carbon emissions were on par with western European countries such as Germany (2.71 metric tons of carbon emitted per person), France (1.83), the United Kingdom (2.59), and significantly below the United States (5.51).
As you read this, the Polish Parliament is hashing out the National Allocation Plan (NAP), due to be submitted to the EU at the end of April. The NAP will allocate quotas for greenhouse gas emissions in Poland until 2007, thereby improving the environment for us all.
So, what's the bad news?
