Background Poland is one of the EU’s largest greenhouse gas emitters because of its reliance on coal power. Indeed, more than 90% of the country’s electricity is produced from coal. A number of factors – including its dependence on coal, its fear of dependence on Russian gas, and a low level of public awareness about the threat of climate change – have left Poland lagging behind in progress on climate protection. Nevertheless, Poland has a very large capacity to reduce its emissions and to remove CO2 through the use of carbon sinks. Energy saving measures will reduce the impact on climate whilst allowing the country to maintain a high growth rate. Poland also has significant renewable energy potential; as such energy sources can meet 47% of total energy requirements. In preparation for expected major climatic changes, more active efforts are required by local authorities and by the public to protect the climate and to adapt to changes. This is in line with the European Commission’s White Paper: Adapting to climate change: Towards a European framework for action (COM/2009/0147). Objectives The main goal of the project is to raise awareness of climate change among leaders at county level and to stimulate initiatives in support of practical local measures to protect the climate and adapt to any changes. Specifically, the project aims to: Stimulate co-operation at a local level for climate protection and adaptation to climate change; Enhance and focus measures by local leaders; and Promote the importance of the need to integrate measures for climate protection and adaptation to climate change into local development.Expected results: The main result will be an increased knowledge and awareness of potential threats posed by climate change and of ways to protect the climate. Other quantifiable results will include: A network of responsible, civic-minded people who will work to actively protect the climate at local level. At the end of the project, this network should bring together more than 220 people; The creation of a group of 10 young professionals who can help educate local authorities; 85 training courses for some 1 400 local leaders from one-third of all Polish counties; and A pilot low-carbon development programme. This will encourage other local authorities to launch similar initiatives and to use the EU funds for the measures for climate protection and adaptation to climate change.