1256 | 795 | Environmental justice in practice actions of urban activists in Poland. How residents try to regain access to clean air and water. | Katarzyna Gorczyca, Daria Zozulia
In recent years, projects carried out by urban activists aimed at improving living conditions have been noticeable in Polish cities. Air and water are equally necessary for life, grassroots anti-smog movements are more often represented in Polish cities. Some actions of the gradual recovery of blue areas for residents are particularly led by women who emphasize the role of ecofeminism in the fight for access to nature. _x000D_
The study aims to focus on different forms of civic engagement in projects related to environmental justice. We pose research questions: How top-down civic initiatives could influence local governments in the creation of an urban environment? How effective are city activists in inducing new forms of city management and protection of clean air and blue areas? _x000D_
Urban communities hold enough power to pressure local authorities on environmental issues. The paper focus on the qualitative study of initiatives leads by the local activities in metropolitan areas of Krakow, Warsaw, Wrocław, and Tricity in Poland. _x000D_
Based on the analysis of the content of policy documents, programs, analysis of media discourse, participant observation, and in-depth interviews, the effects of bottom-up initiatives were identified (e.g. in terms of changing the awareness of residents and authorities, and improving air quality). Particular attention was paid to the introduction of anti-smog regulations, transfer of good experience, and activities aimed at improving environmental awareness regarding the state of air and water. _x000D_
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The research is carried out as part of the project ” Social processes of shaping urban space in time of adaptation to climate change” financed by the National Science Center, Sonata-17 program.
Katarzyna Gorczyca, Daria Zozulia
Faculty of Geography and Geology, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
ID Abstract: 795