Polish Government Perform Poorly, As Citizens Shine

On the second day of COP19, Climate Action Network’s (CAN) grand prize, Fossil of the Day, was bestowed upon Poland, the conference’s host.

Poland was awarded first place fossil for what CAN suggested may be the biggest list of reasons that any fossil has ever received. The prize-receiving country was announced with suspense, as CAN’s host unveiled a trio of ‘characters’ expressing views in keeping with Poland’s own.

One of the characters told the host, “I’m just checking this great app, which was released especially for COP19! Do you know it? It says here ‘climate changes are natural phenomena, which occurred already many times on earth’.” The Polish government have communicated a number of embarrassing messages throughout this conference, often incongruent with traditional environmental messages.

Another character appeared as a black sheep for holding back and reducing emissions targets within the EU, defending itself by claiming Poland was “Doing our part by utilising the coal!”

Other reasons given by CAN include co-hosting the World Coal Association’s summit that coincides with COP. They have also been unwilling to organise a debate on renewable energy, instead inviting companies that openly oppose ambitious climate action to sponsor this conference.

Yet, the Ray of the Day was given to the Polish people, with a study showing 89% of Polish people wanting more energy to come from renewable sources.

CAN awards “Fossil of the Day” awards to the countries who perform the worst during the past day’s negotiations at UN climate change conferences. The slightly sarcastic yet highly prestigious awards are presented daily at 6pm.

By Jade Neville.