Publication: Transition to a Low-Emissions Economy in Poland
Date
2011-08
ISSN
Published
2011-08
Author(s)
Jorgensen, Erika
Kąsek, Leszek
Abstract
Poland is not among the largest emitters
of greenhouse gases globally, but its economy is among the
least emissions-efficient in the European Union (EU).
Poland's global share in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
is just 1percent and its per capita emissions are similar to
the EU overall. Its lower income level, the Polish economy
comes out as among the least carbon-efficient. Poland's
transition to a market economy since 1989 had a co-benefit
of sharply reduced CO2 emissions; however, the link between
growth and emissions has re-emerged in recent years. A
critical difference in the make-up of Poland's
emissions is the dominance of the power sector and its
extraordinary dependence on coal. Over 90 percent of
electricity in Poland is generated from coal and lignite,
the highest share in the EU. This makes Poland an outlier,
both globally and in Europe.
Citation
“Jorgensen, Erika; Kąsek, Leszek. 2011. Transition to a Low-Emissions Economy in Poland. Europe and Central Asia Knowledge Brief; Issue No. 42. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/61c5a51a-524f-5a0a-9748-41f491008f51 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”