Polish president says won’t ratify Kyoto carbon-cutting pact

Poland's president Andrzej Duda announced on 27 October 2015 he would not endorse an amendment to the United Nations' Kyoto Protocol that would require the country to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Duda said more analysis of the measure was required regarding its social and economic impact. Poland has strongly relied on coal throughout the years and possesses a strong coal mining sector.

The move came ahead of a UN conference in Paris, which aimed to seal a landmark climate-rescue deal after more than two decades of negotiations.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Struggling Polish coal mines http://www.europeansources.info/record/struggling-polish-coal-mines/

EUObserver, 28.10.15: Poland vetoes CO2 targets on eve of Paris visit https://euobserver.com/environment/130867

Politico, 29.10.15: Poland’s Duda bucks EU on climate http://www.politico.eu/article/poland-kyoto-protocol-doha-amendment-law-justice-duda/

EUObserver, 06.11.15: Poles least worried about climate change https://euobserver.com/environment/130980

Politico, 24.11.15: The Poles may spoil Paris party http://www.politico.eu/article/the-poles-may-spoil-paris-climate-summit-party/

Politico, 30.11.15: Poland takes a tough line ahead of COP21 http://www.politico.eu/article/poland-tough-line-cop21-paris-climate-summit/

EurActiv, 02.12.15: Poland's coal addiction exacts heavy health, economic toll http://www.euractiv.com/sections/energy/polands-coal-addiction-exacts-heavy-health-economic-toll-320027

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