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Open in new tab KATOWICE, POLAND
U R B A N
TRANSITIONS
ALLIANCE
www.urbantransitions.org
INDUSTRIAL LEGACY.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE.
INDUSTRIAL LEGACY
Located in the Upper Silesian Agglomeration in Poland, Katowice
transformed into an industrial powerhouse by the end of the 18th
Century with the discovery of rich coal resources. The density of
coal mines, steel factories and industrial plants rapidly increased
and by 1865 Katowice was recognized as the administrative and
business center of the entire region with rail lines connecting it
to other nearby major European metropolises. Strong industrial
development quickly became a fundamental aspect of the
identity of citizens, the natural environment and the economic
foundation of the city. Thus from 1990 onwards, Katowice was
severely impacted by the collapse of the communist system
alongside the rapid restructuring of heavy industry that resulted
in the closure of many industrial and mining facilities.
Beyond economic challenges, high unemployment and rising
social difficulties, Katowice along with other Polish cities in
transition faced growing environmental pressures with high
carbon emissions, smog and air pollution. While ongoing progress
has been made in the past 20 years on dangerous air pollutants,
more urgent and focused action is still needed to improve poor
air quality conditions for the health and wellbeing of residents as
well as the attractiveness of the city.
Transition adaption challenges continued between 1994 and 1998
where transport infrastructure planning and updated municipal
waste management schemes were difficult to
implement.
Education systems and facilities faced limitations due to under-
investment and a mismatch between the traditional skills taught
and the new expertise needed for emerging sectors.
The region also experienced a population decline with both internal
and foreign migration due to the lack of opportunities. However,
from the 2000s onwards Katowice has been experiencing a new
chapter of growth as it transitions towards a sustainable future
that is rooted in technological-economic growth and cultural
development as well as ambitious climate action.
TRANSITION BARRIERS
Improved Air Quality
Low Public Awareness – Citizen participation can still be greatly improved in Katowice.
Creating space and support for NGOs and community groups as well as initiatives such as
the Participatory Budget has increasingly encouraged citizens to become more involved
in the city’s transition.
Economic Inequality – Certain districts in Katowice face high levels of unemployment,
poverty and social exclusion due to the collapse of heavy industries. Persistent inequality
and uneven economic development hinders the cities social transition efforts.
Air Pollution – Despite strong action on air pollutants, Katowice continues to struggle
with poor air quality and smog due to the lasting legacy of fossil-fuel use and a carbon-
based economy as well as pollution inflow from other areas.
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
Culture plays a strong role in Katowice’s vision for a sustainable
future. The previous industrial site of the “Katowice” coal
mine has been redesigned into a new cultural zone which
includes a concert hall for the Polish Radio National Symphony
Orchestra, the new Silesian Museum, the Spodek Arena and
an International Conference Centre. The contrast of the old
industrial and mining center brought to life again with new
purpose provides a tangible symbol of Katowice’s ongoing
transition process.
Katowice’s cultural vision has been reinforced by its musical
heritage. Named a UNESCO Creative City of Music, the city
has launched the MusicHub project – an incubator for young
artists to rehearse and produce music which is then promoted
at both the local, national and global level. Overall, Katowice
sees its transition as a pathway to provide a better future for
their citizens. Generating opportunity, improving participation
and strengthening
institutions to tackle economic,
environmental and social needs is their focus.
local
A new wave of economic growth in Katowice focused on the
high-tech sector and business services has helped to revitalize
the city, increasing employment opportunities and sustainable
growth. Supported by the Katowice Special Economic Zone,
investment incentives and access to a well-skilled population,
the city has been able to attract several companies to
become the 5th largest business location in Poland. Innovation
opportunities such as Smart City Initiatives like the KISMIA –
Intelligent Monitoring System Initiative and Silesian Nano
Cluster have helped to spark a new wave of technological
infrastructure investment. Katowice’s transport sector is also
in transition: a key mobility infrastructure initiative includes
the development of four interchange transfer nodes. This
investment will make it easier for inhabitants to move around
the city using environmentally friendly and low-emission public
transport options rather than individual cars.
The city is looking to overcome environmental challenges
arising from its industrial era with both short and long term
solutions. Short term actions include the control of vehicle
emissions in the city, efforts to reduce building and construction
dust, and encouraging citizens to replace fireplaces and coal as
a source of heating. Longer-term initiatives include subsidies
for low-emission heat sources, increased regulation on the
incineration of waste and non-authorized fuels as well as plans
to update bus fleets with new ecological units. Katowice has
also undertaken initiatives to increase the building efficiency of
public buildings and to increase energy management expertise.
Air quality sensors and monitors are supporting the city to
improve and spread awareness among citizens.
TRANSITION VISION
Improved Air Quality
Efficient Energy Management
Smart and Green Infrastructure
Community Revitalization
Sustainable Public Transport
ABOUT ICLEI
CONTACT
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability is the
leading global network of over 1,500 cities, towns and
regions committed to building a sustainable future.
By helping the ICLEI Network to become sustainable,
low-carbon, ecomobile, resilient, biodiverse, resource-
efficient, healthy and happy, with a green economy and
smart infrastructure, we impact over 25% of the global
urban population.
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
World Secretariat
Kaiser-Friedrich-Str. 7
53113 Bonn, Germany
urban.transitions@iclei.org
www.urbantransitions.org
The Urban Transitions Alliance is managed by ICLEI –
Local Governments for Sustainability and funded by
Stiftung Mercator. The Alliance Secretariat is hosted
by ICLEI.