Top-10 research priorities for sustainable futures: Insights from and for Poland

Sustainability in lifestyles is closely connected to the change of every day patterns of individuals and their approach towards food and consumption, mobility and transport, housing, education, health and recreation with strong cross-linkages with communities and interpersonal relationships. Lifestyles also relate to cultural heritage as well as specifics of natural and economic environment. Hence, sustainability in lifestyles is also determined by the surrounding environment, not only personal needs.

This policy brief presents and reviews Top-10 lists of sustainable research priorities for Europe and for Poland. These priorities have been formed in systematic interaction with citizens and experts. In Poland, the following recommendations were elaborated following the insights gained by the analysis of the 10 research priorities: 1) Compare the Top-10 research priorities with existing priorities in Poland and translate them into policy actions at state level. 2) Foster democratisation processes and the development of civil society in Poland through various measures and tools to increase public participation. 3) Introduce more stringent standards for solid-fuel heating and ensure the quality of solid fuels sold to individual customers in order to improve energy-efficiency of households and lower harmful atmospheric emissions. 4) Foster transition towards more sustainable lifestyles through the support of local and regional food production and consumption, promotion of openness and cooperation and creation of opportunities for local usinesses and individuals.