Urban planning and the protection of green spaces for climate change adaptation in Warsaw, Poland

Abstract

This chapter centres on Warsaw as the most relevant case study in Poland. From an institutional perspective, the Polish spatial planning system is notably fragile. This weakness presents significant challenges to the effective safeguarding of space and, more critically, to achieving objectives that are vital from a climate perspective. Legal frameworks in Poland provide only limited integration of climate and spatial goals, with some of these objectives being pursued through bottom-up initiatives led by city authorities. This chapter identifies various strategies for the protection and enhancement of green spaces within Warsaw. The findings suggest that, despite the prevailing weak institutional frameworks and considerable market pressures, it is indeed possible to utilise spatial planning instruments to safeguard and cultivate green spaces. However, existing barriers can complicate these efforts considerably.