The program consisted of many interesting panels, including myths and facts on green jobs, development of urban and rural areas in the context of climate protection and grassroots movements and a ‘Coal in Poland: Treasure or poisoned chalice?’ debate. The second day of the conference was devoted to the issue of citizen energy or how to motivate oneself to take actions for the benefit of the society and for greener and cleaner Poland. Among the speakers were Jagoda Munic – chairperson Friends of the Earth International, Agnieszka Grzybek – co-president of the Polish Greens, Julia Huscher – Coal and Health Officer, Michal Boni – Minister for Administration and Digitalisation, Maciej Muskat – leader of Polish Greenpeace and Dipti Bhatnagar – co-coordinator of Climate Justice & Energy Program, Friends of the Earth International.
Jose Bové, Green MEP from France, had visited Polish farmers who have been protesting against shale gas exploitation on their land and whose group also took part in the conference.
‘It is wrong to say that coal equals progress’ – said Rebecca Harms – co-president of the Group of Greens/EFA in the European Parliament. ‘If we don’t do what we know is right, and what can be done today, we will pay a very high price for inaction’.
After the conference, the participants joined a peaceful March for climate and Social Justice organised by the Foundation Strefa Zieloni. The March took off from the Palace of Culture and Science, and went past the National Stadium, where COP19 summit is held. After the march hundreds of activists from the whole world met during a rally in Skaryszewski Park.
The climate activists also brought up the issue of the ‘North’ Power Plant, which construction will run counter the efforts undertaken for climate justice and protection.