According to the findings of scientific research, climate change is one of the greatest current global challenges. On the one hand, we observe worldwide catastrophes such as floods, wildfires, and hurricanes, and on the other hand, we receive reports of armed conflicts related to the lack of access to water, prolonged droughts, or limited resources. Climate change and environmental destruction are sources of the violation of fundamental human rights. According to Eurostat data, Poland ranks fourth from the bottom in Europe in terms of freshwater resources per capita.

In the context of the water crisis, which is one of the many consequences of climate change, this issue will have an increasingly negative impact on nature and agriculture. At the same time, coal still forms the basis of the Polish economy. Energy production based on coal mining is one of the main causes of greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for 70% of water consumption in Poland. However, this topic is not sufficiently addressed in our country.

We responded to these issues by promoting climate and local community volunteering. We conducted training for volunteers who led international volunteer camps attended by volunteers from countries including Armenia, Georgia, Italy, Ukraine, Hungary, and Mexico. We organized 10 camps during which participants supported selected organizations and institutions in Poland that work for the local community and/or environmental protection. Camp participants and organization staff took part in workshops on climate change and its consequences. We disseminated the results of our actions through the media.

The project was partnered with an informal group of climate activists known as “Planetarians,” who provided substantive support in the preparation and implementation of the project’s training component and facilitated outreach to other informal activist groups in Poland.

From the evaluation surveys, we know that the participants of the training and workshops changed their attitudes and improved their competencies in the areas of environmental protection, social solidarity, and international solidarity. They also gained knowledge about climate justice and the ways to get involved.