Karol Nawrocki on the environment and climate. What will the change in the Presidential Palace bring?

A new president means new ideas for climate, environmental and energy policy. Karol Nawrocki repeatedly addressed these issues during his election campaign. We examine his views on the European Green Deal, the shift away from coal toward other energy sources, and other key environmental matters.

Karol Nawrocki and the Green Deal. Will there be a referendum?

Karol Nawrocki has repeatedly spoken critically about the European Green Deal. Here is the official position of his electoral committee, published in the Election Guide:

The Green Deal causes high electricity prices and restrictions that hinder agricultural activities, business operations, and everyday life for Poles. It should be rejected as it limits economic development in EU countries.

The president-elect has announced the possibility of holding a referendum on this issue. In practice, however, this initiative is uncertain – such a proposal must be approved by the Senate, where the ruling coalition currently holds the majority.

Yes to nuclear – but coal comes first

One of the main goals of the European Green Deal is energy transition and a move away from fossil fuels. The newly elected president consistently opposes this policy.

Coal is our black gold, which must be mined and used to develop the Republic – he said during a meeting with voters in Jaworzno.

He does, however, support the development of nuclear energy.

Poland should develop its own energy resources and invest in modern technologies. A strong state must also provide infrastructure – nuclear power, ports, the Central Communication Port, and investment zones – reads his campaign platform.

However, during meetings with voters, Nawrocki repeatedly emphasized that before Poland begins to use nuclear energy, coal should remain the foundation of the national energy system.

Karol Nawrocki’s ideas for lowering energy prices

During the campaign, Karol Nawrocki pledged to reduce electricity bills by 33% within the first 100 days of his presidency.

Green certificates to cover energy bills instead of subsidies for electric cars; cheap coal-based energy – mine, extract, develop – says one part of his program.

According to these principles, cheap energy should come from domestic coal. To achieve this, he plans to withdraw from the Green Deal and redirect revenues from emissions trading to support households.

Forestry and nature declaration and State Forests

I will never agree to the privatization of forests – our national treasure – wrote Karol Nawrocki in his forestry and nature declaration, published during the election campaign.

This document devotes significant attention to the State Forests. The president-elect emphasized the importance of sustainable forest management and pledged personal involvement in efforts to increase biodiversity and forest cover in the country.

At the same time, he expressed opposition to what he called ecoterrorism. According to his announcements, nature conservation initiatives should be carried out outside the framework of the Green Deal and in a way that – according to the future president – will protect the interests of the Polish economy.

Does a new president mean a new climate and environmental policy?

A change in the presidency indirectly affects the direction of climate and environmental policy. The Sejm and the Ministry of Climate and Environment play a key role in shaping this policy. These institutions are responsible for drafting, processing, and passing bills – before they reach the president’s desk. Only at that stage will Karol Nawrocki have a real tool of influence, by deciding whether to sign the act, veto it, or refer it to the Constitutional Tribunal.

Although the president has the right to initiate legislation, it’s worth remembering that his proposals are subject to the same parliamentary procedures as all others – they are referred to parliamentary committees and considered during lower house sessions.

International structures also play an important role in climate and environmental policy. These areas will continue to be shaped by Poland’s commitments to the European Union – including the need to implement regulations in line with EU directives – as well as global goals outlined, among others, in the UN’s 2030 Agenda.

main photo credit:  Patryk Duszkiewicz/Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)