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Description
Over the next three decades we will witness energetic transformation that will force the Śląskie province to close its coal mines. This will be a huge change with multifaceted consequences. Within our project we will conduct research on the readiness of Górny Śląsk cities for energetic transformation to check if selected communes are prepared for changes to come. We will also support local leaders aged 18-25 offering a training cycle to them (devoted, among others, to climate change, team building and cooperation) to run a social and lobbing campaign on the transformation and climate change. We would also like to publish at least 50 articles and reach million inhabitants of Śląsk. We will run online seminars devoted to the topic of the energetic transformation of Śląsk targeted at inhabitants and local officials. We will also set up an online platform for exchanging views and ideas regarding energetic transformation.
Summary of project results
In our view, the municipalities of the Silesian Voivodeship were not well prepared for the energy transition, which could lead to delays in achieving the so-called climate targets. In our project, we aimed at increasing the public’s awareness of the need for energy transition and mobilizing local communities around these issues.
We also wanted to tackle another problem - the low involvement of young people in public life and public policy in their communities, and the lack of a sense of influence and impact.
We started with the study of the level of preparedness of municipalities for the transition. The study included an analysis of the municipalities'' strategies and an assessment of the degree of readiness for change. The results of this survey were the starting point for further activities in the project.
The next step was training and engaging of 5 youth leaders, who then planned and implemented a community education and lobbying campaign together with the project team. It aimed not only at providing information on the energy transition, but also at motivating local communities to participate in the decision-making process.
As part of this, we conducted an intensive social media campaign and ensured the publication of articles in local media. We also published a tabloid newspaper, which was distributed to 30,000 people in the Silesian Voivodeship. In addition, we conducted online seminars for local communities and local authorities to discuss the energy transition more broadly and to involve residents in the decision-making process.
One of the important elements of the project was the research report we developed on the state of preparedness of municipalities for the energy transition. It included an analysis of the situation and recommendations for further action. We also created an online ''transformation bank of ideas'', which served as a platform for submitting energy transition ideas and initiatives.
Our activities targeted the residents of the Silesian Voivodship, local and municipal authorities, young people and social and community organisations.
The project has provided us with up-to-date knowledge of the state of preparedness of municipalities for the energy transition. The report from this research provided important information for local decision-makers and energy policy institutions.
Thanks to the involvement of youth leaders and the education and lobbying campaign carried out, the project had an impact on motivating young people to actively participate in community life and take action for the energy transition. The education campaign has also resulted - at least temporarily - in an increased awareness among residents about energy issues and the need for action in this area.