27 October 2025On October 22, 2025, the seventh edition of the “Wielkopolska Climate Talks” conference took place in Piła under the theme “Local Governments in the Age of Climate Change,” organized by the Department of Environmental and Climate Management of the Marshal’s Office of the Wielkopolska Province in Poznań. The event was attended by representatives from the worlds of science, administration, local government, public health, business, and politics to discuss the challenges posed by climate change and the opportunities for adaptation to climate change and energy transition. Only through cooperation among various institutions is it possible to effectively counteract the effects of climate change, which we are undoubtedly experiencing.
The event consisted of three thematic sections. The first section, “Climate Change and Its Effects,” featured an introductory presentation by Prof. Ph.D. Leszek Kolendowicz from Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. This was followed by a debate featuring:
- Leszek Kolendowicz – Director of the Institute of Physical Geography and Environmental Planning, Head of the Department of Meteorology and Climatology, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
- Michał Wierzbicki – Director of the Poznań Regional Water Management Authority
- Małgorzata Szwed – Institute of Meteorology and Water Management – National Research Institute in Poznań
- Izabela Marciniak – Director of the Specialized Maternal and Child Health Care Center in Poznań
- Marzena Andrzejewska-Wierzbicka – Director of the Department of Environmental Management and Climate at the Marshal’s Office of the Wielkopolska Region
During the discussion, Michał Wierzbicki, Director of the Regional Water Management Authority in Poznań, addressed the challenges facing water management in light of the hydrological drought, emphasizing the need to take action to protect water resources in the region. He also highlighted the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation in adapting to climate change. He drew attention to the key role of water management in land-use planning, the protection of natural resources, and ensuring hydrological security. He also pointed out the challenges that climate change poses for the Regional Water Management Authority in Poznań as the institution responsible for water management.
Ms. Izabela Marciniak, Director of the Specialized Maternal and Child Health Care Center in Poznań, pointed out that climate change also poses challenges for the healthcare sector. The shortening of the duration of individual seasons is accelerating the onset of the infectious disease season, new allergens are emerging, and we are now facing certain previously seasonal illnesses year-round.
In the second thematic block, “The Transition Away from Coal—What Does It Mean?”, the introductory presentation was delivered by Mr. Robert Jeszke, Deputy Director of the Institute of Environmental Protection—National Research Institute and Head of the National Center for Emissions Accounting and Management. The following individuals participated in the second debate:
- Henryk Szopiński – Member of the Polish Parliament
- Robert Jeszke – Deputy Director of IOŚ-PIB
- Marek Koźlicki – President of the Management Board of Miejska Energetyka Cieplna Piła Sp. z o.o. (ENEA Group)
- Bogdan Ślęk – Director of Public & Government Affairs for Central and Eastern Europe at Signify Poland Sp. z o.o.
- Krzysztof Borkowicz – Coordinator of the Intermediate Body Division at the Regional Development Agency S.A. in Konin
- Kwiryn Naparty – Director of the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Poznań
During the debate, a number of issues related to mitigation measures were discussed. Kwiryn Naparty, director of the Regional Directorate of State Forests in Poznań, addressed the role of forests in mitigating the effects of climate change. He also devoted particular attention to wetlands, which serve a dual function—they act as both carbon and water reservoirs.
The final session, “Measures for Adapting to Climate Change,” began with presentations on the role of land-use planning in climate change adaptation and an overview of opportunities for supporting adaptation measures under the FEW. The following individuals participated in the discussion:
- Piotr Głowski – Member of the Polish Parliament
- Jolanta Sobieszczyk – Deputy Mayor of Piła
- Przemysław Surdyk – Director of the Program Implementation Department at the Provincial Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management in Poznań
- Tomasz Wojciechowski – President of the Management Board of GWDA, LLC
- Sylwia Ciesiółka – Deputy Director, Metropolia Poznań Association
- Agnieszka Jaszczyńska – Wielkopolska Regional Planning Office in Poznań
Mr. Piotr Głowski, Member of Parliament and former Mayor of Piła, as well as Ms. Jolanta Sobieszczyk — currently Deputy Mayor of Piła — emphasized the importance of local governments’ ongoing adaptation efforts, ranging from investments in green and blue infrastructure, through environmental education for residents, to responsible spatial planning in the face of the climate change we are experiencing.
Sylwia Ciesiółka, Deputy Director of the Poznań Metropolis Association, also shared her experiences in this area. She noted that “the local governments of the Poznań Metropolis are implementing projects that address climate challenges.” An important element of the integrated projects under the ZIT is the elimination of heat islands through greening, water retention, and water reuse. These initiatives also include the protection of peatlands and wetlands. The results achieved so far are very promising, and within a few years they will be visible throughout the entire metropolitan area.”
The event provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and strengthen cooperation among representatives of various institutions.
Link to the event coverage:
7 May 2026