Environmental progress versus economic development in central and eastern Europe. A case study of Poland from 1988 to 1995

As the nations of Central and Eastern Europe transform from centrally planned to market driven economies, they also struggle to address the environmental degradation incurred over the last 50 years. Are these goals complementary and simultaneously achievable? The paper explores changes in air and water quality in Poland from 1988 to 1995, and considers the effects of economic growth, development assistance, and environmental legislation on environmental quality. During the period of study, air quality significantly improved while water quality of lakes and rivers experienced only slight deterioration. These changes are believed to be linked to the (parabolic) growth of industry over the last eight years, yet influenced by strong environmental legislation, directed development assistance, and political incentives from the West.