The sense of socio-economic threat and the perception of climate challenges and attitudes towards energy transition among residents of coal basins: The case of Turoszów Basin in Poland

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyse the relationship between the sense of social security and the anticipated socio-economic deprivation of the Turoszów Basin's residents in Poland related to the decarbonisation process, and their attitudes to energy transition and climate challenges. Article draws attention to the close relationship between the perception of economic challenges and of threats to social security and attitudes towards climate and environmental issues among the residents of coal basins. These multidimensional factors shaping opinions on energy transition ultimately translate into ideological and political sympathies. Based on the results of surveys carried out on a sample of 1000 people living in the region, the author defends the thesis that energy transition cannot be treated only as a process of technological change or a bundle of single regional economic transformations resulting from decarbonisation, particularly in regions dependent on the mining industry. The obtained results indicate that not only does the current economic and financial situation of coal basin residents shape their attitudes to the decarbonisation process, but also their anticipated personal material situation after the closure of the mine and the implementation of energy transition may have a great impact on the current assessment of transition goals as well as their perception of climate change and the negative effects of the mining industry.