The objective of this paper is to identify the determinants of decarbonization processes in Poland by urban and rural areas. It also presents directions for knowledge diffusion on decarbonization to develop a sustainable energy strategy for Poland, particularly for local governments and cities. Despite extensive research on the determinants of decarbonization and sustainable energy development, there is a lack of specific solutions in this area. The authors of this paper investigated which determinants, according to the respondents, would lead to better decarbonization solutions in cities and villages in terms of sustainability. The studied sample was purposefully selected and an online questionnaire was used with the use of the “snowball” method. The authors conducted surveys that allowed the concerned parties themselves (respondents) to indicate which factors they believe best influence decarbonization. Such measures are helpful in terms of the understanding public acceptance of decarbonization in terms of the energy transition. This is of particular importance in terms of green governance globally and in Europe. The results of the authors’ research indicate that despite the reduction in the share of coal in residential and domestic heating, coal remains the main source of electricity generation and that the potential for low-carbon policy to have an impact on solving urban challenges is underestimated. From the findings, it can be concluded that more in-depth research is needed on public acceptance of decarbonization in its broadest sense and its implications.

The purpose of this article is to answer the question of whether it is economically justified to use natural gas as an interim fuel on the way to creating a low-emission energy sector from the perspective of Poland in comparison to other countries in the European Community. Despite the existence of numerous scientific studies concerning natural gas as a ‘bridge’ fuel, there is a lack of precise references to the situation of Poland in this respect, especially considering its specific situation in the historical development of energy, as well as the ongoing energy crisis caused by the Russia–Ukraine war. The study suggests that from Poland’s point of view, given the changes in natural gas prices resulting from a series of events of an international nature, gas investments are not economically justified in the economic climate (NPV of −891 million EUR) at present and will not be justified in the event of their anticipated changes (NPV of −691 million EUR), having its justification only in the presence of unlikely global changes (NPV of 2.37 billion EUR).

Purpose: This paper aims to identify the problems arising from the relationship between greenwashing and the ambitious climate targets set by both Member States and the European Community as a whole. It is indisputable that climate change and its consequences need a firm response from states. Design/Methodology/Approach: The authors use a literature review methodology consisting of a bibliographic analysis and an analysis of legal acts. The scientific argument concerns the study of the legal regulations' weaknesses based on a case study in the form of cases negotiated in international fora. The main objective of this research method was to identify the circumstances of legislative failure. Findings: The identification of problems and their analysis can assist regulators in updating their legislative processes and also open up a wider discussion on implementation problems for pro-climate solutions. Practical implications:The practical implications of this article are enormous. First, it should be noted that law has not always kept pace with economical solutions, and in this particular case, there is no opportunity for clear legal rules that allow to surpass issues such as greenwashing. Originality/Value: The relationship between greenwashing, its qualified forms, and the implementation of legal solutions in the field of climate policy has not yet been the subject of extensive academic or economic-legal discussion.

Niniejszy artykuł adresuje zjawisko znacznego wzrostu przypadków, w których przedsiębiorstwa energetyczne dokonują odmowy przyłączenia nowych źródeł energii odnawialnej, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem rynku energii elektrycznej. Autor artykułu stoi na stanowisku, że przyczyna zaistniałego stanu rzeczy leży w regulacjach prawnych, które swoim aktualnym kształtem przyczyniają się do pogłębienia różnic pomiędzy podmiotami wnioskującymi o przyłączenie a podmiotami dokonującymi przyłączenia w zakresie przysługujących im praw i obowiązków w ramach procedury przyłączeniowej.