Madam, – I am writing with reference to the article by Frank McDonald “EU leaders face heated debate on climate policy” (Opinion, October 23rd). We believe that the issue tackled by the author is of utmost importance and we generally agree with the views presented.
Nevertheless, we cannot accept such untrue and evidently unjustified opinions as: “. . . the newer member states in central and eastern Europe have proved quite recalcitrant – firstly, by declining to shoulder their share of the international burden and, secondly, by seeking to hold onto vast quantities of ‘hot air’ . . .” and further “This term refers to the tradeable bank of credits built up by Poland and others as a result of the collapse of their Soviet-style economies in the early 1990s. Potentially, these assigned amount units (AAUs) . . . are worth a fortune. But they could seriously undermine the international carbon market.”
Over the past 20 years, Poland has been very successful in effectively decoupling carbon emission increases from economic growth. It has considerably increased its GDP while decreasing the level of greenhouse gas emissions. Despite huge political, economic and social costs to the entire Polish society, Poland has taken difficult decisions in order to fully place Polish economy on a sustainable and long-term path into “green growth”.
Therefore, Poland feels that the opinions suggesting that the surplus of AAUs (assigned amount units) results from the collapse of Polish industry in the post-communist period are evidently unjustified. Quite the contrary, the potential surplus of AAUs in Poland results from the fundamental transformation of the Polish economy, including first of all policies and measures adopted by the Polish authorities and aimed at reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency and supporting innovation.
In this context, it should be also underlined, that Poland’s surplus of AAUs does not constitute any threat to the environmental integrity of the future climate agreement, as they will be exclusively used for environment- friendly projects, under the Green Investment Scheme.
Poland is also ready to take part in financing international mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries. This readiness is based on the conviction that particularly the Least Developed Countries require major assistance to face climate change consequences. It is worth underlining that Poland has no obligations in this respect under provisions of the climate change convention, but this readiness stems from the solidarity with poorer and more vulnerable countries. However, Poland believes that the international and internal EU burden- sharing of those efforts has to rely on payment capabilities of contributing countries.
Poland’s commitments to combat climate change are not taken on the basis of tactical considerations and calculations. We do not expect to make political profits or economic gains. Above all, we share a sense of global solidarity and responsibility – not only for our own country, but also for the entire international community. – Yours, etc,