Our campaigns - FAQ - episode 01

Here are some frequently asked questions about our campaigns.

How do fossil fuels relate to the war in Ukraine?

Russia is the world's largest gas and oil exporter, and the third largest coal exporter.

Money from the sale of these fossil fuels is a key source of Russian revenue, constituting 40% of the state budget, from which Vladimir Putin finances his army and military operations in Ukraine.

At the same time, as a result of Europe's dependence on Russian energy resources, Russia is able to blackmail individual European countries (by cutting off energy supplies), thus trying to influence the policy of these countries towards Ukraine.

Won't Russia's fossil fuel embargo cause other crises?

In the short term, sanctions on fossil fuels from Russia force countries to look for alternative sources of energy (in the case of Poland, the government had to enter into contracts for coal with Venezuela and gas with Qatar), which is sometimes associated with spikes in energy prices.

However, a full embargo (so far we have a coal embargo and a partial oil embargo) can stop further hostilities from Russia in the first place - even in eight weeks, according to Russian experts - which can protect people in Ukraine, stop russia from destabilizing other countries (such as Moldova) and to reduce volatility on the energy market (which in the long term would result in easing inflation).

What instead of fossil fuels?

Our dependence on fossil fuels is huge and will not change overnight. But we can no longer delay transforming the economy.

The current energy crisis shows how risky and expensive it is to stick to coal, gas and oil. Therefore, according to scientists from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and experts from International Energy Agency, we demand the fastest possible transition to cheap, clean renewable energy sources - primarily from wind and solar energy - modernization of transmission networks (so that new RES could be included in the energy system) and the implementation of all energy saving measures, including in particular the insulation of buildings throughout the country and the installation of heat pumps.

Poland is already a leader in the development of heat pumps and the installation of photovoltaics, but unfortunately we are still one of the largest issuers in Europe. However, there are ready-made scenarios for moving away from fossil fuels in the current decade (such as Instrat Foundation's proposal to move away from coal) - only the political will is needed to implement them.

How does Orlen make money from human tragedies?

PKN Orlen in 2022 generated revenues of over PLN 278 billion. Their net profit amounted to nearly PLN 35.5 billion, while in 2021 it was PLN 11.2 billion.

Fuel companies are known to raise margins on their fuel during wars and crises. Orlen also benefited from this practice - it earned 3 times more fortune from high energy prices than before the Russian invasion, and now strongly opposes the introduction of the tax on excess profits (so-called windfall tax), which could be used to help citizens cope with high energy costs.

Apart from the excess profits themselves, it is important WHAT Orlen earns on - and this is the extraction and trading of fossil fuels, which are the main culprit of the climate catastrophe.

The International Energy Agency urges that, in order to keep the increase in global average temperature at the relatively safe level of 1.5 degrees Celsius, we must not launch any new investments in oil, gas and coal. Orlen not only had huge contracts for raw materials from Russia so far (which contributed to Russia's war budget), but it is currently undertaking new contracts - with countries such as Qatar or Saudi Arabia - and announces new investments .html" target="_blank">in the North Sea.

PKN Orlen's business model is to plunder land and trade in dangerous fossil fuels for maximum profit. Such actions - in the era of climate catastrophe and fuel wars - only deepen crises, instead of mitigating them.

How to develop safe, accessible and cheap energy sources?

We would like to say that it is best to put photovoltaic panels on the roof of a block of flats or a windmill near the house, but for the average Pole energy from RES is still difficult to access and expensive.

Therefore, the question "How to develop cheap energy sources?" we answer: put pressure on politicians. At the level of local communes, provinces and the whole country.

It is politicians who can support bills that will establish sensible rules for the development of energy from wind and sun in Poland; they can decide to transfer money from the budget state for local investments in RES, creating green jobs and individual subsidies for citizens who would like to install photovoltaics or heat pumps.

Science shows clearly that a global transition to 100% clean energy will help us save almost $12 trillion in energy costs compared to an outdated fossil fuel system. Renewable energy sources mean independence from dictators, savings in wallets and a more stable climate. We must jointly strive for the greatest possible social support for the transformation, so that politicians stop being friends with the mining lobby and focus on our future.

How will a just transition ensure a secure future for me?

Let's start with what is a just transition anyway? Just or fair transition, is the process of transition from a high-carbon economy to a sustainable economy (ultimately - non-emission), in a way that ensures the safety of all people - including people working in emission sectors. The transformation is about creating alternative branches of the economy and providing jobs to people who will lose them as a result of the gradual closure of enterprises such as mines or power plants.

The transformation we dream of is the development of a huge number of safe, green jobs that will pay people well and respect their rights, and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.

Such a transformation needs all of us on board - from miners, politicians and politicians, through experts, activists, to (not) ordinary citizens. A successful transformation brings a lot of benefits. It's clean air, savings in wallets, healthy and beautiful environment; it means better working conditions for everyone, more free time for family and friends; after all, it means more hope for the future and less threat from dictatorships, fuel companies and climate change or conflicts that are fueling it at the moment.

What can I do before the elections?

Of course, the most important action in this election is going to the polls. Therefore, we encourage every person of voting age to vote for a candidate who prioritizes a just transition, moving away from fossil fuels and putting our economy on a fair, green and safe track.

If you want to get more involved, encourage 10 of your friends to vote - because a large part of the population still does not go to the elections (in 2019 the turnout was only 61.1%).

And if you want to help us mobilize people across Poland to vote for a just transition, join WSCHOD - fill out the form and we will get back to you with information about upcoming actions, trainings and other activities!

If you have any other questions about fossil fuels and the climate catastrophe, write to us on our instagram or at kontakt@wschod.org.