The 2nd Silesian Climate Convention CLIMATE-CON 2023 has ended

On October 11th and 12th, 2023, the 2nd Silesian Climate Convention CLIMATE-CON 2023 took place – the largest event in the region, focusing on climate change adaptation. The Silesian Stadium in Chorzów became the arena for discussions on air quality, environment, and climate protection.

The event attracted many participants - employees of local government units and organizations associated with them, as well as non-governmental organizations. Moreover, the event was attended by representatives of expert and academic circles. There were also representatives of EU structures. Numerous entrepreneurs, students, school children and residents of the Silesian Voivodeship were also invited.

Over 850 participants, 105 panelists, representatives from 14 media outlets, and a total of over 70 staff members were involved in the event.

 The objective of the 2nd Silesian Climate Convention CLIMATE-CON 2023 was to promote actions related to climate change adaptation and mitigation of its adverse effects. The event provided a platform for discussions and presentations on modern environmental protection practices.

CLIMATE-CON 2023 participants had the opportunity to learn in detail about environmental protection issues relating not only to the Silesian Voivodeship itself, but to the whole Poland. This is a lot of valuable knowledge both for local administration employees and other guests interested in ecology.

Welcoming remarks were conveyed by Jakub Chełstowski, Marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship; Prof. Jerzy Buzek, Member of the European Parliament; Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment; and Magda Kopczyńska, Director-General of the Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport.

The event covered a broad range of topics, from discussions on the need for transformation in the mining region of Silesian Voivodeship to the possibility of creating a climate-neutral city, the importance of eco-friendly transportation, climate challenges for science, sustainable fashion, and discussions on whether it is possible to run a 100% climate-friendly business.

Discussions revolved around climate-neutral cities, zero-emission buildings, the impact of climate change on biodiversity, financing climate actions, the effects of climate change on public health, and renewable energy sources.

The event's agenda also included a thematic block focusing on reducing low emissions in the transportation sector, comprising six discussion panels and workshops for municipalities on designing and implementing sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMP).

Significant parts of the event involved discussions and workshops on SUMP, especially a long-term strategy aimed at providing all residents with transportation options that allow access to travel and services, enhance safety, reduce air and noise pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and energy consumption.

The event featured 28 discussion panels, with over 90 speakers covering climate protection and adaptation-related topics. Thematic sessions and workshops took place in five different rooms simultaneously. Pro-environmental projects within the LIFE EU program are being implemented in the Silesian Voivodeship and were showcased to participants to demonstrate how European Funds can support environmental and climate protection efforts.

A flagship event within CLIMATE-CON 2023 was the two-day thematic panel "Science for Climate," led by Prof. Dr. Marek Gzik, Chairman of the Silesian Voivodeship Council. The panel included representatives from Silesian research institutes and universities.

A block of workshops and debates with the participation of the Silesian Voivodeship Youth Council, titled "Youth for Climate," gained significant popularity. It provided an opportunity to explore the perspectives of young people on environmental protection in the region.

Participants of the event also had access to numerous attractions. One of them was a fashion and recycled jewelry show called "Ekomoda," prepared by students of the State High School of Fine Arts in Katowice. The students demonstrated how to utilize available waste materials to give them new value. Event attendees could also view a photographic exhibition showcasing selected eco-investments in municipalities and cities participating in the integrated LIFE project "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored."

The event was organized as part of integrated LIFE projects: "IP LIFE for Adaptation of Mining Areas" [LIFE-IP COALA] and "Silesia. Blue Sky Restored." A comprehensive implementation of an air protection program for the Silesian Voivodeship [LIFE-IP AQP-SILESIAN-SKY].

"Silesia. Blue Sky Restored" is the largest air protection project in Europe, covering the entire Silesian Voivodeship and involving 89 partners and co-beneficiaries.

The primary goal of the LIFE-IP COALA project is to systematically address the effects of climate change (at the regional level) by implementing a regional adaptation strategy and finding synergies between climate change mitigation and other challenges, such as carbon neutrality and transformation.

CLIMATE-CON 2023 was an accompanying event during the European Week of Regions and Cities, held in Brussels from October 9th to 12th, 2023.