Tarnów: A 'Polish heat pole' investing in climate resilience and recycling

Tarnów, Poland, is actively promoting its favorable climate, boasting the longest growing season and 118 days of thermal summer in the country. This unique characteristic has led to the establishment of urban vineyards and the city's self-proclaimed title as the "Polish heat pole."

Despite the sunny disposition, Tarnów is not immune to the impacts of climate change. The city has experienced extreme weather events, from tropical heatwaves and nights to severe thunderstorms with hail and high winds. The primary concern is the capacity of its stormwater drainage system to handle short, intense rainfall, prompting efforts to clear natural drainage channels and canals.

To combat potential flooding, Tarnów is collaborating with the Skrzyszów municipality and Wody Polskie (Polish Waters) on building flood polders along the Wątok River and constructing a new embankment along the Biała River. The municipality is also focused on increasing biologically active surface areas and separating rainwater from sewage systems, undertaking gradual upgrades to road infrastructure like Rady Europy and Olszynowa streets.

In waste management, Tarnów has secured 35 million PLN for a new Recycling Center. This investment aims to address the city's struggles with meeting EU recycling quotas, which have resulted in fines. The plan is to expand waste management services beyond the city's administrative borders and potentially incorporate a cogeneration plant for producing heat and electricity from waste, reflecting a forward-thinking approach to municipal services.