PROBLEMATYKA ODPOWIEDZIALNOŚCI WŁADZ PUBLICZNYCH ZA OCHRONĘ ŚRODOWISKA. ANALIZA ZAGADNIENIA OCHRONY ŚRODOWISKA W ŚWIETLE PRAWA POLSKIEGO I UNIJNEGO

Abstract

Unimpeded functioning of the natural environment is the basis for the operation and effective development of society. However, the fundamental role that nature plays in the existence of society has not protected it from overexploitation. Human activity focused mainly on the progressive economic development has gradually led to a significant environmental degradation. Therefore the problem of environmental protection has rightly become the main topic of public discourse worldwide. In response, governments and international organizations have taken a series of coordinated actions to prevent further destruction. Law is one of the most effective instruments in environmental protection. The Polish Constitution provides that environmental protection is a duty of public authorities, which they are obligated to fulfil. The EU law also protects the environment by means of many legislative acts. Over the years, the European Union, as the economic and political union of states, has developed one of the most restrictive mechanisms of environmental protection. The EU legislation has always emphasized that sustainable development and green economy are the supreme values for the Union. The EU law is part of the Polish legal system, and thus also imposes the obligation on Polish public authorities to care for the environment.