Polish Cities Research Articles

How to monitor local objectives for urban climate change adaptation? Insights from quantitative content analysis of selected participatory budgets in the upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis

Subsequent analyses of participatory budgeting in Poland emphasise the popularity of environmental issues such as greenery, air quality, and sustainable transport, which should also support objectives in urban climate change adaptation (UCCA). An increasing number of adaptation projects within local standards or ‘green’ civic budgets are often listed among the indicators in urban adaptation plans for Polish cities. However, available research studies and urban evaluation reports show that monitoring participatory budgets poses a methodological challenge. Therefore, the aim of the article is twofold. First, it proposes a method of identifying overlaps of urban climate change adaptation objectives with descriptions of projects submitted to local participatory budgets of the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis. For this purpose, a dictionary-based text analysis of project descriptions was performed and critically examined. The second aim was to identify trends in urban climate change adaptation objectives. Thus, the quantitative distribution of coded descriptions was evaluated to investigate how subsequent types of participatory budgets (editions, green vs. standard, implemented vs. non-implemented) differed. The results demonstrate that the available database of participatory budget projects is a rich source of information on local preferences towards issues related to UCCA. To strengthen the objectives of urban climate change adaptation, city administrations can consider additional tools, such as UCCA-related tips/inspiration and targeted calls for projects, as well as supplementing participatory budgets with other deliberative methods. However, collecting precise and calculable data on this topic based on participatory budget databases requires both methodological adjustments and careful validation.

Prenatal exposure to air pollutants and the second to fourth digit ratio in adult women

The study aimed to analyse the association between the digit ratio in adult women and the degree of air pollution (suspended particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, nitric dioxide, benzene levels) in the place of residence of their mothers during pregnancy. The data was collected from female students in several Polish cities. Measurements were taken, and questionnaire data were collected. 2D:4D ratios were calculated for the left and the right hand. The ratio was analysed as a continuous variables. Air quality information was retrieved from reports by the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection. Statistically significant differences both in right- and left-hand 2D:4D ratio were found for PM10 and benzene. In addition, the right-hand 2D:4D differed significantly depending on PM2.5. The association between digit ratio and the complex air pollution index was also found. Poor air quality was associated with higher values of the ratio. Our results indicate that a high airborne pollutant level, especially suspended particulate matter, is associated with a higher digit ratio.

Alternative forms of housing for longevity based on case studies of multigenerational houses in Poland

The subject of the article is a case study analysis of three experimental projects of multigenerational houses that emerged after 2019 in Polish cities. The author hypothesizes that multigenerational houses represent an alternative form of housing to nursing homes, creating an environment that supports the health and independence of residents of different ages for as long as possible. The purpose of the research conducted is to answer the question of what components of the support system for the elderly are important in the choice and intentional transition to alternative living arrangements and how this relates to multigenerational homes in the cases studied. The research in this article consists of four phases. The first phase examined the institutional and informal approach to organizing care for the elderly in Poland and outlined the components of the support system for the elderly that are necessary for the choice and conscious transition to alternative forms of housing in the aging process. In the second phase, the experience with the governmental program "Multigenerational House" in Germany was analyzed and a multigenerational house was defined. In the third phase, the case study method was used to examine the experience of multigenerational houses built and functioning in Polish cities in recent years: Multigenerational House in Łódź (2019), Multigenerational Housing in Warsaw (2019-2021), Multigenerational House in Wrocław (2020). In the fourth phase, based on the literature review and the analysis of functioning multigenerational houses, a comparative analysis was made and conclusions for further research were drawn.

Relationship Between Air Pollution and the Incidence of Selected Disease Among Children and Adolescents in the Years 2017-2023 in Selected Cities in Poland

The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between average annual air pollution concentrations in selected cities and the incidence of specific diseases among children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 in selected Polish cities - Gdańsk, Katowice, Poznań, and Lublin with varying levels of average annual air pollution [suspended particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10, benzo(a)pyrene, nitrogen dioxide]. The relationship between the incidence of selected diseases among children and adolescents (asthma, hypertension, food and skin allergies) from 2018 to 2023 and the quality of atmospheric air was examined. In Katowice, due to the presence of a developed industry, the permissible average annual concentrations of the analyzed air pollutants were exceeded in the initial period, unlike in Gdańsk and Lublin. However, the greatest challenge in Poland concerning air quality is the average annual concentration of benzo(a)pyrene. Nonetheless, there has been a significant decrease in recent years. Polish cities facing air pollution problems are undertaking various measures to improve air quality. Studies have shown significant connections between the concentrations of selected pollutants and the frequency of diseases such as bronchial asthma, hypertension, food and skin allergies. However, this impact varies from city to city.

Encouraging Residents to Save Energy by Using Smart Transportation: Incorporating the Propensity to Save Energy into the UTAUT Model

The rapid urbanization and technological advancements of the recent decades have increased the need for efficient and sustainable transportation solutions. This study examines the acceptance of smart transportation systems (STSs) among residents in Polish cities and explores the impact of these systems on energy-saving behaviors. Using the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model, which includes the propensity to save energy, this research seeks to understand the determinants of STS adoption. The primary research was conducted using Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI). The sample was controlled for gender and place of residence. A sample of 471 individuals meeting the criteria of living in a city with over 200,000 residents and using smart transportation solutions in Poland were selected from the research panel. SmartPLS 4 software was used to analyze the collected data. The findings reveal that the propensity to save energy significantly influences perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and hedonic motivation toward STSs. Perceived usefulness and ease of use were found to be strong predictors of the intention to use STSs, while perceived costs had a negative impact on it. This study also identified the moderating role of personal innovativeness in mitigating cost concerns. These insights underscore the importance of emphasizing energy conservation benefits and user-friendly features in promoting the use of STSs. This study concludes that aligning technological innovations with user motivations for energy conservation can enhance the adoption of sustainable transportation solutions, contributing to smarter and more sustainable urban environments.

Evaluation of Selected Factors Affecting the Speed of Drivers at Signal-Controlled Intersections in Poland

In traffic engineering, vehicle speed is a critical determinant of both the risk and severity of road crashes, a fact that holds particularly important for signalized intersections. Accurately selecting vehicle speeds is crucial not only for minimizing accident risks but also for ensuring the proper calculation of intergreen times, which directly influences the efficiency and safety of traffic flow. Traditionally, the design of signal programs relies on fixed speed parameters, such as the posted speed limit or the operational speed, typically represented by the 85th percentile speed from speed distribution data. Furthermore, many design guidelines allow for the selection of these critical speed values based on the designer’s own experience. However, such practices may lead to discrepancies in intergreen time calculations, potentially compromising safety and efficiency at intersections. Our research underscores the substantial variability in the speeds of passenger vehicles traveling intersections under free-flow conditions. This study encompassed numerous intersections with the highest number of accidents, using unmanned aerial vehicles to conduct surveys in three Polish cities: Toruń, Bydgoszcz, and Warsaw. The captured video footage of vehicle movements at predetermined measurement sections was analyzed to find appropriate speeds for various travel maneuvers through these sections, encompassing straight-through, left-turn, and right-turn relations. Our analysis focused on how specific infrastructure-related factors influence driver behavior. The following were evaluated: intersection type, traffic organization, approach lane width, number of lanes, longitudinal road gradient, trams or pedestrian or bicycle crossing presence, and even roadside obstacles such as buildings, barriers or trees, and others. The results reveal that these factors significantly affect drivers’ speed choices, particularly in turning maneuvers. Furthermore, it was observed that the average speeds chosen by drivers at signalized intersections did not reach the permissible speed limit of 50 km/h as established in typical Polish urban areas. A key outcome of our analysis is the recommendation for a more precise speed model that contributes to the design of signal programs, enhancing road safety, and aligning with sustainable transport development policies. Based on our statistical analyses, we propose adopting a more sophisticated model to determine actual vehicle speeds more accurately. It was proved that, using the developed model, the results of calculating the intergreen times are statistically significantly higher. This recommendation is particularly pertinent to the design of signal programs. Furthermore, by improving speed accuracy values in intergreen calculation models with a clear impact on increasing road safety, we anticipate reductions in operational costs for the transportation system, which will contribute to both economic and environmental goals.

Sustainable careers within greening economies

Sustainable Livelihoods are more adaptable than precarious jobs, for career development through Decent Work. An essential element for Career Sustainability is Climate action, that includes Just Transitions from carbon-intensive to carbon-neutral or regenerative work. This paper analyses a municipal transition from coal-mining to a more carbon-neutral, city economy, which has foregrounded just transition for miners, and improved the wider ecosystem. The Polish city of Katowice in Poland illustrates how work and career structures, in this case municipal, can work for people in everyday life and their future careers. The case may also serve as a lighthouse project for future just transitions, as part of sustainable career development, by greening economies and supporting access to decent work for all.

The Central Functions of Cities in Poland in Light of Administrative Reform

The aim of this article is to determine and assess the changes in the central functions of major Polish cities in the context of Poland’s 1999 administrative reform. This study covers a period of twenty-two years (1998–2019), which provides a solid perspective for evaluating the functional changes occurring within the current territorial division of the country. The conclusions indicate that the dynamics of changes in central functions in former provincial capitals differed from those in cities that retained this status. At the same time, it was found that the administrative reform sanctioned the scope and scale of earlier socio-economic dependencies in the present regional centers. The research results suggest that administrative reforms in Poland solidified existing socio-economic development paths in cities, but were not the sole catalyst for change. They point to a complex interaction of factors influencing urban evolution. By utilizing indicators that measure the centrality of cities in relation to their demographic potential, this research offers a quantitative assessment of the level of development of central functions, which is crucial for monitoring progress towards sustainable urbanization. By providing this information, this research also contributes to a broader discussion on the advancement and dynamics of sustainable urban development.

Green spaces in Polish large prefabricated housing estates developed in the socialist era

AbstractGreen spaces are an important element of the spatial structure in large prefabricated housing estates. They have their strengths and weaknesses and generate a number of opportunities and threats, the identification of which allows the potential of these areas to be realised and further developed. The goal of the study is to present the general condition and future of green spaces in large prefabricated housing estates in Poland. It is important to note that to date no research works have been published in the literature that would investigate green spaces in such estates using the SWOT/TOWS method, as confirmed by a search of the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The study area included two such estates located in two Polish cities: Toruń (Rubinkowo I) and Kraków (Bronowice Nowe). The study used the SWOT/TOWS method and an urban-architectural inventory research walk. The results of the study indicate that the best strategy for developing green spaces in estates of this kind is the competitive strategy, which involves taking advantage of opportunities while reducing the weaknesses of green spaces. The research walk also identified a diverse composition of green space species and a high proportion of green spaces in the overall estate area. In addition, green spaces are socially inclusive and can be an important element of urban resilience. The results of this research contribute to the discussion on the condition and future of green spaces in the estates.

A method for identifying exceedances of permissible NOX air pollutants by car traffic in a polish city

A method for identifying exceedances of permissible NOX air pollutants by car traffic in a polish city

Urban transport during the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study of Poland

AbstractOngoing improvement in the quality of public transport calms and slows road traffic while causing desirable changes in the transport behaviours of residents and the urban structure of city centres. These efforts were thwarted by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a significant decrease in public transport ridership. Its scope varied with the passage of time and with the dynamics of the pandemic itself, which were significantly different for individual cities. This article undertakes an analysis of these changes in Poland and identifies factors describing public transport accessibility that may influence them. The novelty of this article is examining the correlation of changes in public transport ridership in 17 Polish cities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic with the presented range of factors and conducted longitudinal studies. A multiple regression analysis was made possible by collecting data describing various aspects of public transport and populations. The introduction of remote work and learning also had a noticeable impact in public transport ridership during this period. In some sectors and fields, they have proven to be at least as efficient, but less expensive than their traditional forms, which suggests that they may have an impact on reducing the public transport ridership after the end of the pandemic.

Krakow's Participatory School Budget as an Example of Civic Education

An example of civic education is the participatory school budget used in Poland. In the participatory budget training, students submit their own ideas, create projects, and then choose those that they think are the most attractive and important. The idea for a participatory school budget was born from the desire to adapt the classic participatory budget process to the needs of a small, local community, such as a school. Taking part in this type of project allows students to co-decide about matters in their immediate environment, i.e. the school. However, in the longer term, it is intended to prepare them to engage in the classic citizen budget, which is carried out in local government units in Poland. The aim of the article is to briefly present the origins and idea of the classic participatory budget, but primarily to focus on the participatory school budget, in particular in relation to a specific example, which is the participatory school budget carried out in one of the Polish cities – Krakow. The article also includes information about the campaign of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education promoting participatory budgeting in schools. Document analysis and critical content analysis, as well as historical and comparative methods were used to write the article.

The Increasing Importance of Intergovernmental Transfer Revenue in Local Finance in Poland and the Flypaper Effect

The article explores the growing trend of fiscal recentralization in Polish local finance, evident in the increase of intergovernmental transfers, leading to expanded budgetary expenditures, known as the "Flypaper Effect" (FPE). It aims to identify the causes and extent of the FPE in Polish municipalities and cities with county rights from 2010 to 2020, using descriptive and panel data analyses. Empirical research confirms the presence of the FPE in Polish local governments, more pronounced in rural municipalities than in urban counterparts and cities with county rights. The rise in public budgetary expenditures results from limited fiscal autonomy and the ongoing process of recentralization in public finance, further amplifying the FPE. The strength of the FPE varies depending on the specific types and characteristics of intergovernmental transfers. Additionally, the article highlights significant flaws in Poland's local funding legislation and its consequences, proposing potential paths for local finance reforms. In conclusion, it underscores the increasing trend of fiscal recentralization in Polish local finance driven by the FPE and emphasizes the pressing need for reforms to address these challenges.

Is There a Demand for Extensive Financial Reporting on Local Government from the Most Important Stakeholders: Residents?

The study aims to identify residents’ perception of such aspects of public finances as transparency and credibility, in particular, their level of interest and needs regarding increasing the scope of financial reporting at the local level. The study was conducted in 2023 among residents of the 12 largest Polish cities, using the computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) technique on a sample of N = 400 residents of each city. A total of 4,800 respondents took part in the survey. The qualitative study was conducted using the focus group interview technique (FGI online). The research results indicate a noticeable lack of demand for information regarding local finances and a lack of trust in the transparency and honesty of public funds management. Bearing in mind that residents rely on economic experts and financial analysts as sources of information with the highest credibility, a large field opens up for experts such as independent auditors.

Climate change as the subject of citizens’ assemblies in Polish cities

Climate change as the subject of citizens’ assemblies in Polish cities

The Methodology for Assessing the 15 Minute Age-Friendly Walkability (AFW) of Urban Public Spaces

Recent decades have witnessed noticeable demographic changes around the world. The global population has continued to increase steadily and, according to forecasts, the trend will be maintained in the coming decades. An increase in the 60+ population is yet another important demographic change. These determinants pose new challenges for socio-economic, spatial, and transport policies in most, if not all, cities in the world. These policies should be aligned with the global development paradigm to promote sustainable development and sustainable improvement of the quality of life of the present and future generations. In the coming years, the potential of cities should be recognized, resources should be managed rationally, effective spatial policies should be implemented, and user-friendly spaces should be created to promote the development of effectively managed urban areas. Cities are often compared to living organisms, which is why social mobility is a crucial determinant of urban development and is often used in assessments of cities. To address the above needs, a universal and innovative methodology for assessing the age-friendly walkability (AFW) of urban public spaces was developed and tested in the present study. The methodology was developed based on a review of the current trends in age-friendly cities, a survey of the target population, and a self-designed concept for evaluating the walkability of pedestrian routes in public space. The proposed methodology not only contributes to the existing knowledge but also has practical implications because it was tested in a Polish city to classify the 15 min walkability of pedestrian routes and to identify Strategic Intervention Areas for the 60+ population (SAI 60+). This innovative approach to walkable urban public spaces is a simple tool for developing senior-friendly planning solutions in cities. The developed paper constitutes a basis for precise spatial planning it is based on reliable data by conducting a full and comprehensive spatial inventory of mobility trajectories of older people walkability. The aim of the undertaken research was to improve the quality of urban residents’ lives in the context of Sustainable Development Goal 11 (to make cities and human settlements safe, stable, and sustainable). Above all, the study is congruous with the sustainable urban mobility vision.

Machine learning analysis of PM1 impact on visibility with comprehensive sensitivity evaluation of concentration, composition, and meteorological factors

This study introduces a novel approach to visibility modelling, focusing on PM1 concentration, its chemical composition, and meteorological conditions in two distinct Polish cities, Zabrze and Warsaw. The analysis incorporates PM1 concentration measurements as well as its chemical composition and meteorological parameters, including visibility data collected during summer and winter measurement campaigns (120 samples in each city). The developed calculation procedure encompasses several key steps: formulating a visibility prediction model through machine learning, identifying data in clusters using unsupervised learning methods, and conducting global sensitivity analysis for each cluster. The multi-layer perceptron methods developed demonstrate high accuracy in predicting visibility, with R values of 0.90 for Warsaw and an RMSE of 1.52 km for Zabrze. Key findings reveal that air temperature and relative humidity significantly impact visibility, alongside PM1 concentration and specific heavy metals such as Rb, Vi, and Cd in Warsaw and Cr, Vi, and Mo in Zabrze. Cluster analysis underscores the localized and complex nature of visibility determinants, highlighting the substantial but previously underappreciated role of heavy metals. Integrating the k-means clustering and GSA methods emerges as a powerful tool for unravelling complex mechanisms of chemical compound changes in particulate matter and air, significantly influencing visibility development.

City of YOUth

Lublin is the first Polish city to have been chosen as the “European Youth Capital” (in 2023). Awarded by the European Youth Forum, the title aims to bolster the position of young people, promote their participation in social life, and strengthen the European identity.

Conditions of Decision-Making Related to Implementation of Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles in Urban Transport: Case Study of Poland

The changes in geopolitical and ecological conditions brought about the need to use environmentally friendly sources of vehicle power. This impacted the accelerated activities related to the use of hydrogen fuel in transport means. Based on the observations carried out in the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, it was found that the process of implementing hydrogen-powered vehicles in public transport is connected with difficulties faced by transport companies with regard to the purchase of these transport means. This study aims to analyse the conditions for making decisions regarding the implementation of hydrogen-powered buses in urban transport. A case study was considered, and the factors influencing the decisions related to the application of hydrogen-powered buses in Poland were analysed. The survey method was used to carry out the research. A questionnaire was developed, and the survey was conducted among representatives of transport companies that provide public transport services in Polish cities. As a result of the research, it was found that city authorities play a key role in deciding on the implementation of hydrogen-powered buses. The highest ranks among the proposed criteria influencing the decision on the purchase of hydrogen-powered buses were the economic ones. The concerns and benefits resulting from the potential purchase of hydrogen-powered buses were also examined. It was revealed that the decision to buy buses is most influenced by factors such as ensuring access to hydrogen and its price. The recommendations for transport companies and city authorities were formulated.

Market Squares of Small Towns as Public Space of Opole Silesia on Selected Examples (Legal Status After 2015)

This paper presents the results of research on the diagnosis of the state of public space in the context of the evolution of its structure, on the example of market squares of small cities. The background to the research is the implementation of the Act on Ensuring Accessibility for Persons with Special Needs (The Accessibility Act, 2019) and the Revitalisation Act (2015), as documents with significant impact on the shape of public spaces in Polish cities. The multicultural and cross-border region of Opole Silesia was chosen as the research area. Six small towns in the region, whose market squares have undergone a revitalization in recent years, were selected for analysis: Biała, Dobrodzień, Korfantów, Otmuchów, Paczków, Ujazd. This article aims to diagnose the condition of public space, on the example of the market squares of small towns, based on the solutions adopted in the revitalization projects. The criteria adopted for the analyses are the identity of the place and continuity of development, accessibility, and adaptation to climate change. The research uses the method of comparative analysis of the morphological structure, the method of analyzing the physical parameters of space, and the analysis of historical iconography and cartography. Conducted analyses will make it possible to formulate an answer to the question of to what extent the introduction of the regulations as mentioned above has changed the approach to the revitalization process as a continuation of the historically formed way of building the urban fabric, and to what extent it has forced the introduction of solutions that violate the continuity of historical development. The result of the research will be a diagnosis of the problems in the revitalization processes of small towns in the multicultural area of the Opole region, in the context of current legal conditions, and sustainable development.