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Marek Jaskólski

Marek Jaskólski joins the PLUS Change project to represent regions in energy transition, including communities of former and present lignite mining regions in Poland and Germany.

My name is Marek Jaskólski, and I have both academic and professional background in Earth and Environmental Sciences, with expertise in  Climate-Energy Transition, Society & Environment, and Green Governance. By profession, I am a spatial planner. Currently, I am working as Sustainability project manager for Europastadt GörlitzZgorzelec GmbH (EGZ) but my main occupation is as a postdoctoral researcher at Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU) in the project “Improved urban mobility toward climate neutrality under new working habits and transport modes” (IMUMCN), which is funded by the National Science Center under the ERA-NET Urban Accessibility and Connectivity Sino-European Program.

What community or organisation are you representing in the project?

I represent the community of the current and former lignite mining areas of eastern Wielkopolska and the German-Polish-Czech border region.

I am also co-leading the Environmental monitoring through Civic engagement (ERICA) project through AMU.

Through EGZ, I am an active member in the TRUST project and recently contributed to a publication on Shaping and Strengthening the Regenerative Potential for Local Climate Neutrality; Insights and Reflection From a Transdisciplinary Project in the City of Görlitz.

What motivated you to apply to become an ambassador?

I became interested in the project because I have been working in a related area for a long time and I am sure that cooperation will result in synergy effects. In particular, I like the broad approach to the research problem and the complementary nature of the activities in relation to the stated objectives.

My personal motivation is to work together for the transition;

‘The ongoing energy transition is changing our landscape, with wind turbines and photovoltaic farms replacing lignite quarries. The expansion of renewable energy is affecting the availability of agricultural land and the narrative of EU directives is increasing tensions within the farming community. This energy transition is already underway, and now all consumers must have an equal opportunity to understand and participate in it. I look forward to supporting this process.’

How does your work correspond with PLUS Change?

I was motivated to apply to become an ambassador for PLUS Change due to my strong interest in inclusive transition towards sustainable energy solutions. I believe that my expertise in climate-energy transition aligns well with the goals of PLUS Change, and I am eager to contribute to this project by sharing my knowledge and collaborating with like-minded individuals. I hope to gain valuable insights and experiences from participating in this project. 

As part of my work I come into contact with a wide range of stakeholders involved in the transformation process, and have the opportunity to work with businesses, public administrations, as well as non-profit associations and simply active citizens. I regularly organise and participate in various forms of networking, i.e. trainings, workshops, discussion arenas as well as scientific and popular science conferences. I look forward to spreading the knowledge and findings of the project through my channels.    

What are you looking forward to in the coming years?

 In the coming years, I look forward to contributing to the development of sustainable spatial planning in particular in terms of current energy challenges and fostering collaboration with PLUS Change. My general expectations include gaining new perspectives, networking with professionals in the field and contributing to meaningful initiatives.