by UE WE
The research team from Wroclaw University of Economics with the Youth Climate Strike organized an open meeting with representatives of the Wrocław Solar Power Plant, local climate activists, citizens of the city of Wroclaw and members of the “Green Team”.
Research team from Wroclaw University of Economics with the Youth Climate Strike organized an open meeting with representatives of the Wrocław Solar Power Plant, local climate activists, citizens of city of Wroclaw and members of the “Green Team”. The main subject was Polish energy transformation, development of renewable energy in Wroclaw and the role of society in shaping strategies at the local level on the road to achieving total independence in terms of fossil fuel consumption.
During the meeting participant had the opportunity to get to know the history of the creation of the Wrocław Solar Power Plant, which is a model not only the transition to renewable energy sources, but also a great example of local community co-creation practices.
The meeting included presentations from “Green Team” of the University of Economics prof. Bożena Ryszawska and dr Piotr Szymański – Energy transformation and shaping civil society , presentation of the Wrocław Solar Power Plant project – Vice President of the Management Board of SM Wrocław – South Marek Dera.
Presentations were followed by the workshop and discussions with willing participants. The event was a part of a research in the project Scaling up Co-creation. Avenues and Limits for Integrating Society in Science and Innovation.
“Green Team” – In 2017, the University of Economics signed the University’s Social Responsibility Declaration, committing itself to conducting a sustainable, green development policy. By establishing an agreement with the Climate Reality Project leader, the university authorities obliged themselves to switch to renewable energy on campus by 2030. The University undertakes a gradual improvement of energy efficiency in its buildings, while simultaneously conducting research in the field of social responsibility, on the basis of which a further strategy of a Socially Responsible University will be developed
The Wrocław Solar Power Plant is the largest enterprise of its kind in Poland. It was created thanks to the initiative of the residents of SM Wrocław-Południe and the work of many people. As part of the project, nearly three thousand solar panels were launched on the roofs of 35 cooperative high-rise buildings. Not only the impact on air quality, but also lower fees for electricity motivate cooperatives and their representatives to further develop the project and spread its idea. During the first year of operation of the power plant, 10% more electricity was generated than forecasted.
The Youth Climate Strike is a social movement that is part of the global Fridays for Future initiative. By acting the YCS shows opposition to the passivity of politicians in the face of a climate catastrophe. „We are not experts on ecology and climate change, but young people aware of the threat of climate disaster and fighting for the right to their future. Our members are junior high school students, high school students and students. We learn about the future, which the climate crisis is calling into question. That is why we protest, speak in the media, talk to politicians and organize education about climate change.”