THE POLISH ENVIRONMENTAL SYNDROME - ENVIRONMENTAL-PROBLEMS AND WAYS TO APPROACH THEM

The environmental degradation observed in several regions of Poland has reached the level of an ecological hazard. The presence of its rich natural resources should create a blessing for the country and bring welfare to its people. Instead, the complicated history of Poland and the political and economic system put in place after the Second World War have created the present economic and environmental problems. This paper gives basic data reflecting the complexity of the Polish situation. It touches also upon present threats to society and the environment, as well as highlighting possibilities that still are open. The present Polish dilemma is how to rank priorities when the need to tackle existing environmental problems is confronted with several other mainly economic, problems. One most important action that must be taken now is the transfer of modern ideas and approaches that would enable an efficient fight against environmental degradation. Wide application of modern knowledge and approaches is a crucial condition for choosing correct actions.