The Dynamics of Changes and Spatial Differences in the Synthetic Indicator for Evaluating Environmental Performance in Poland: Current State

Abstract

Socioeconomic development and consumption are among the key drivers of environmental degradation. Legal measures and the appropriate funding are required to effectively protect the natural environment. The aim of this study was to analyze the dynamics of changes and spatial differences in the measures undertaken to protect and improve the quality of the environment. A set of indicators for evaluating environmental performance was developed and tested on Poland as an example. The relevant data are publicly available in statistical databases. Proposed indicators can be modified for use in other countries by incorporating country-specific characteristics. The environmental protection activities implemented in Polish voivodeships at the Nomenclature of Territorial Units for Statistics (NUTS) 4 level (counties) in three financial frameworks (2004–2006, 2007–2013 and 2014–2017) were analyzed against the base year (2003). A total of 27 variables divided into four categories were analyzed: (1) water and wastewater management and water conservation, (2) waste management and protection of the Earth’s surface, (3) air pollution and climate control, (4) nature conservation and promotion of pro-environmental behaviors. A Synthetic Indicator for Evaluating Environmental Performance (SIEEP) was developed based on the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method. Based on the arithmetic mean and standard deviation, the analyzed counties were divided into four typological classes reflecting the values of the SIEEP. The research showed that the implementation of environmental protection measures financed from public funds minimizes the negative impact of human activities on the environment. Positive changes in the values of the analyzed variables and a steady increase in the number of counties with high values of the SIEEP testify to the above.