Blue Sky 2025 Climate Debate Tournament – Semifinals Complete! Emotions, arguments, and the voice of a new generation
The semifinals of the Blue Sky 2025 Oxford-Style Climate Debate Tournament have come to a close—an event that once again proved how powerful words can be. Over two days, June 11 and 12, secondary school students from across the Silesian Voivodeship engaged in thought-provoking debates about how to protect the climate, improve air quality, and build a more responsible society. The young participants tackled complex theses and demonstrated that their voices are mature, persuasive, and filled with passion.
The tournament was held under the patronage of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025 and is an official EU Green Week Partner Event.
Central Subregion – debating in palace halls
On June 11, the elegant interiors of the Pałac Kawalera in Świerklaniec hosted a series of intellectual clashes between teams representing schools from across the Central Subregion. Participants debated such questions as whether a carbon tax is an effective tool in the fight for clean air, and whether limiting transport emissions can significantly improve urban life.
The standout team was from the Academic School Complex in Piekary Śląskie, which impressed the jury with both the coherence of its arguments and the maturity of its delivery. Alicja Gołąbowska, Szymon Korczak, Bartosz Perzyna, Oliwia Prysok, Michał Satława, and Paulina Sitarz showed exceptional command of language and confidently defended even the most challenging theses.
Second place went to the Agricultural Education Centre in Nakło Śląskie, represented by Natalia Taraszkiewicz, Sara Kopikowska, Maja Jelonek, Borys Grzywaczewski, Jakub Kandzia, and Arkadiusz Ziaja. Their performance stood out for its precision and impressive factual knowledge.
Third place was awarded to the team from Szymborska Secondary School No. IX in Sosnowiec, led by Magdalena Kolarska. Emilia Gregorczyk, Aleksandra Ponichtera, Szymon Sztuka, and Maja Polanowska displayed not only eloquence but also active listening and clever rebuttals.
In fourth place came the Upper Secondary School Complex in Ornontowice, represented by Dawid Trześniowski, Mateusz Czerner, Mateusz Pająk, Adam Przechrzta, and Jan Jasiński—a team that demonstrated strong potential and solid preparation.
The event was hosted by Maciej Koźmiński, eco-manager of Świerklaniec. The jury included Agnieszka Szwaja and Rafał Adamus, both eco-managers of the Central Subregion, and Maciej Koźmiński. The debate marshal was Cezary Olchawa, also an eco-manager for the Central Subregion.
Western Subregion – climate discussion in an art gallery
The following day, June 12, debate teams met in the artistic setting of the Rzeczna Art Gallery in Rybnik, where discussions focused on climate education, circular economy, and... meat consumption. The participants proved that environmental issues resonate with them not just from textbooks but from real-life observations and experiences.
Victory went to the team from the Secondary and Technical School Complex in Rydułtowy. Kacper Lamla, Antonina Gembalczyk, Adam Miś, Jakub Habryka, and Filip Gembalczyk built compelling narratives, backed by credible sources and demonstrated excellent teamwork.
Second place was taken by the Upper Secondary School Complex in Pszów. Blanka Stabla, Anna Ziętek, Oliwier Kuligowski, and Aleksander Chlebowski showcased an empathetic and well-reasoned approach to the pressing challenges of our time.
Third place went to the team from School Complex No. 2 in Żory, named after Rev. Prof. Józef Tischner. Patryk Owczarek, Martyna Kozieł, Patrycja Kalinowska, and Kinga Zniszczoł impressed with their maturity, boldness, and willingness to tackle controversial topics.
In fourth place was the Construction School Complex – Technical School No. 4 in Rybnik. Jan Kowalski and Jan Nowak, despite their smaller team size, delivered thoughtful arguments and showed admirable rhetorical discipline.
The event was hosted by Anna Rogowska, eco-manager for the Western Subregion. The jury featured Monika Stępień from the Association of Communes and Counties of the Western Subregion, Anna Rogowska, and Artur Syrnik, eco-manager of Nędza Commune. The debate was led by Piotr Policht, eco-manager of Piekary Śląskie – the tournament’s originator, coordinator, and driving spirit.
The grand finale awaits!
The winning teams from Piekary Śląskie, Rydułtowy, Nakło Śląskie, and Pszów will face off in the grand finale, which will take place on November 25, 2025, during the 3rd Silesian Climate Convention – Climate-Con 2025, held at Superauto.pl Silesian Stadium in Chorzów. This final debate will not only crown months of preparation but also amplify the voices of youth before a distinguished audience of climate experts, local authorities, and EU representatives.
A team effort worth recognizing
The tournament would not have been possible without the dedication and collaboration of eco-managers who combined their expertise and energy to create this exceptional learning and debating space:
- Piotr Policht – Piekary Śląskie
- Barbara Graniczka – Rybnik
- Anna Kocima – Łaziska Górne
- Joanna Kosmala – Rydułtowy
- Maciej Koźmiński – Świerklaniec
- Anna Rogowska – Western Subregion
- Joanna Szerzyńska-Grabowska – Żory
- Grzegorz Wierzbicki – Sosnowiec
Blue Sky 2025 – debate that reshapes thinking
The Blue Sky 2025 Climate Debate Tournament is not just about intellectual competition—it’s a tangible lesson in civic engagement. It’s a platform where young people learn how to make a difference—not by shouting, but by arguing their case with clarity and respect. That’s why their voices deserve to be heard.
Meta description (English version):
Blue Sky 2025: Silesian students debated climate and air quality. Discover the semifinal results of this EU-backed Oxford-style debate tournament.
Projekt zintegrowany LIFE "Śląskie. Przywracamy błękit". Kompleksowa realizacja programu ochrony powietrza dla województwa śląskiego realizowany jest przy dofinansowaniu z Programu LIFE Unii Europejskiej oraz Narodowego Funduszu Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej.
LIFE20 IPE/PL/000007 - LIFE-IP AQP-SILESIAN-SKY