rss_2.0Sciendo RSS Feed for Environmental Protection and Natural Resourceshttps://sciendo.com/journal/OSZNhttps://www.sciendo.comhttps://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/6472697e215d2f6c89dc7187/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/OSZN140216https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2024-0004<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The article examines the temporal variability and seasonal trends of PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter pollution in Warsaw over six years from 2016 to 2021. The study utilizes data from air quality monitoring stations in various parts of Warsaw, including urban background and traffic stations. The analysis reveals distinct patterns in particulate matter concentrations, with higher levels observed during the colder months, particularly from January to March. Conversely, lower concentrations are recorded from June to August, in the summer. The study also highlights the influence of meteorological conditions and the heating season on air pollution levels. Statistical analyses demonstrate significant variability in pollution levels across different months and years, with the correlation between monitoring stations fluctuating over time. The findings provide valuable insights into the factors driving air pollution in Warsaw and underscore the importance of ongoing monitoring and mitigation efforts to improve air quality in urban environments.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2024-00042024-12-05T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2024-0003<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The aim of the research, conducted from April to October 2018–2019, was to characterize the bee populations (<italic>Apiformes</italic>) in phytosociological diverse grassland areas of Cisowsko-Orłowiński Landscape Park (C-OLP), located in Małopolska Upland. Such a characteristic was a crucial condition to perform further steps aimed at preventing threats to these insects. The transect method and Moericke traps were applied to sample bees. 126 bee species were recorded in four research areas with <italic>Apidae</italic> family representatives being dominant (44.9%). The transect method proved more efficient than the traps since it provided 123 insect species. Species diversity H’ and equivalence J’ indices reached the highest parameters in fields (FI) and meadows (ME) and the lowest in xerothermic grasslands (XG). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient demonstrated positive and strong correlation of variables H’ and J’ and S. It applied to both the transect method and the traps, the latter demonstrating bigger correlation.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2024-00032024-11-26T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2024-0001<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The aim of this research was to learn the possibility of using the selected indicator method to assess the local adaptation to climate change by using city green infrastructure (GI). Close access to the public green areas from a place of residence has been recognized as a potential measure to achieve more just and equitable adaptation to climate change within the city. The rationale for adopting this approach is the significant impact of GI on improving the quality of life of residents. In the case study of the cities of Łomża and Siedlce, the method of assessing the availability of GI was analysed in two variants differing in the resources of green areas included. The accessibility of GI was determined using indicators describing the share of the city’s population having their residences in a designated walking distance zone from these areas; the degree of provision of GI areas within walking distance from homes; the degree of provision of green areas to the inhabitants throughout the city. In addition, analyses of the access structure for residents of GI within 300 meters were carried out in terms of the number and category of this type of places. The research results indicate the possibility of using presented accessibility indicators to assess actions related to GI at the stage of planning and monitoring the implementation of the urban adaptation strategy to climate change.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2024-00012024-07-27T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2024-0002<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Citizens’ assemblies are a relatively new public planning process in Poland which can be implemented at all levels of administration. This article aims to present the citizens’ assembly as a tool for local development. Citizen consultations carried out in the deliberative formula of citizen assemblies in Polish cities were analysed. This article focuses on the substantive goals and results of the local deliberation process using the citizens’ assembly tool. This research covers all cities in Poland that implemented it. Taking into account the experience of Polish cities, the analysed period is 2013–2023. Of the identified processes, in-depth research covered those whose main theme was climate change. They include (in chronological order): Gdansk, Wroclaw, Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Lodz, and Rzeszow.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2024-00022024-07-27T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0021<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The aim of the research was to assess the quality of topsoils and stream sediments in the districts of the Katowice City of southern Poland in the Upper Silesian Industrial Agglomeration, influenced primarily by the exploitation of hard coal deposits and metallurgy. The task was carried out using indicators used to assess anthropogenic soil contamination (contamination factor CF and the Igeo geoaccumulation index), as well as ecotoxicological indicators used to determine the quality of stream sediments (Threshold Effect Concentration TEC and Probable Effect Concentration PEC). In order to indicate the most polluted areas, geochemical maps of selected elements in soil and stream sediments were developed. The material comes from the top layer of soil (0.0–0.3 m) and stream sediments located in the districts of the Katowice City. The work took into account selected potentially harmful elements (PHEs). The concentrations of elements were measured using the ICP-AES method, except for Hg (the CV-AAS method). The values of the CF and Igeo indicators allowed for the indication of high concentrations of most metals, arsenic, and sulfur in the topsoil layer, significantly exceeding the geochemical background values caused by the historical exploitation of Zn-Pb and zinc ores and ferrous metallurgy. The values of the TEC and PEC indicators classify the sediments into categories that may threaten the environment and living organisms.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00212023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0023<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>A comparative analysis was conducted on raw and treated wastewater and the concentrations of heavy metals in sewage sludge from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). The research aimed to demonstrate improved efficiency in reducing heavy metal levels as a part of municipal and industrial waste management, with a specific emphasis on minimising the overall environmental impact. In this study, we presented the results of a repeated measures analysis of variance and assessed compliance with heavy metal content standards in sewage sludge from municipal treatment using a one-sample t-test against a reference norm. The analysis included measurements conducted between 2004 and 2015. We conducted an analysis of heavy metals, including zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn) and mercury (Hg). High Zn concentration that we observed in pre-treatment wastewater raised important questions. Leakages in sewage networks can result in contaminants infiltrating the wastewater, thereby increasing pollutant concentrations. Elevated concentrations can stem from industrial activities, where Zn and pollutants are discharged into wastewater as byproducts of industrial operations. The study illustrated the attainment of the highest sanitary standards, ensuring that treatment processes effectively eliminate harmful toxic substances, ultimately guaranteeing that the final product is safe for further reclamation processes.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00232023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0022<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The use of processed biomass, derived from agricultural crop residues, as a fuel is becoming increasingly important in the energy sector, which additionally allows for the management of excess waste that is a burden on the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the torrefaction process conditions in a carbon dioxide atmosphere on the chemical structure of biocarbon and the energy parameters of the produced product, which can be a solid biofuel. The biomass chosen for the experimental work was flax shive. Determinations of the heat of combustion of the produced biocarbon samples were carried out using a KL-10 calorimeter, and identification of the molecular structure of the product and the starting biomass was carried out using infrared spectrometry. It was confirmed that increasing the temperature of biomass torrefaction increases the heat of combustion of the product, with this parameter obtaining the most favourable value for biocarbon obtained during torrefaction at 320°C and for 20 to 30 minutes. The heat of combustion of the biocarbon produced during torrefaction at 320°C and for 30 minutes was 25.92 MJ/kg, with a feedstock mass loss of 41%. Such conditions lead to a significant conversion of the chemical structure of the biomass, with no complete destruction of organic structures.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00222023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0016<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Over the past years, several remote sensing maps of land cover have been produced, but they still exhibit certain differences compared to the real land use that reduce their value for climate and carbon cycle modelling as well as for national estimates of forest carbon stocks and their change. This paper outlines a straightforward framework for evaluating map accuracy and estimating uncertainty in land cover area, specifically for forest-related land cover maps in Poland for the year 2018.</p> <p>The study compares stratified field-based data from the National Forest Inventory (NFI) with remote sensing data on forest variables, at the pixel level, in order to identify suitable methods for accuracy and area uncertainty estimation. Additionally, the paper introduces and presents a variety of accuracy metrics applicable to assess overall uncertainties in GHG inventories.</p> <p>The results indicate that the High-Resolution Layer Forest Type (HRL FTY) product (part of the broader Copernicus Land Monitoring Service [CLMS] portfolio), assessed using NFI field-based information, achieved an overall accuracy (OA) of 69.2%. This metric varies among particular nature protection forms, with the highest observed ones in Natura 2000 sites of 70.45%. The primary source of map errors was associated with distinguishing between broad-leaved and coniferous forest areas. Improving future maps necessitates more precise differentiation between species to better support national forest monitoring systems for the purpose of greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories where information on the spatial distribution and variability of forests sources, biodiversity assessment, threat prevention, estimation of carbon content is becoming an important part of the associated reporting system.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00162023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0017<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The correlations between two groups of factors and energy consumption were analysed in four types of dairy plants with different production profiles. Groups of dairy plants with a similar production profile, as well as individual plants, were compared. Energy consumption was most strongly correlated with technical equipment (r = 0.88 – 0.99); this observation can be used by designers to promote better energy conservation measures during plant operation. Energy consumption was highest in plants producing milk powder. Plants specializing in milk powder may also produce up to 8 other dairy products; however, engineering and production factors can significantly contribute to reducing energy consumption, which suggests that energy is being consumed for non-production purposes at these plants.</p> <p>The variation in energy consumption per unit of end-product was best-explained in small dairy plants producing up to 4 products. In analyses of individual plants, energy consumption per unit of end-product was strongly correlated with both the milk-processing output and the production profile. The equations developed in this study, in particular the regression coefficients, can be used to generate additional information for detailed analyses. The structure and level of detail of the independent variables also means that the presented equations can be applied to reducing power consumption of the operated equipment, and for optimizing overall production profiles.</p> <p>The results of the study can be used to model energy consumption in different types of dairy plants and to evaluate their environmental performance. The international literature was reviewed, and the results of research studies analysing the correlations between energy consumption in dairy plants and their environmental impact were cited in the paper.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00172023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0014<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The topic of this paper concerns energy-related carbon dioxide emission factors from the combustion of gaseous methane fuels. It is a very current subject, as methane fuels, mainly of fossil origin, are one of the primary energy carriers used in industrial and municipal applications for energy purposes. Consequently, the emitted carbon dioxide contributes to the intensification of the greenhouse effect in the atmosphere. The problem of the quantities characterising emissions from the combustion of methane fuels is complicated by the diversity of these fuels. This paper presents background information on the gaseous hydrocarbon fuels and the composition of the main types of natural gas. The structure of natural gas consumption in Poland, depending on the sectors of application for particular types of natural gas, is presented. On the basis of the existing data, aggregated energy-related carbon dioxide emission factors were estimated and analysed. The analysis was carried out for high-methane natural gas (HM), colliery gas (CG) and nitrified natural gas (N)—for the years 1988–2021. Trends in fuel consumption and energy-related carbon dioxide emission factors were determined for the years 1988–2021.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00142023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0020<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The intricate hydrological processes elucidating the interplay between rainfall and flow manifest through rainwater's traversal along diverse routes, encompassing surface runoff and subsurface flow. While the foundational association between these entities is discernible, the convoluted intricacies characterizing this correlation defy straightforward comprehension. Examining the data between 2019 and 2022, the average daily sewage outflow was 12,518 m³/d, with occasional peaks of up to 50,440 m³/d. The wastewater treatment plant's capacity of 35,000 m³/d was usually not exceeded. Overall, average daily sewage outflows varied between 11,716 m³/d and 13,969 m³/d during the studied period. Comprehending this interrelationship holds pivotal significance for the optimization of water-resource-management strategies. A moderate correlation (r = 0.42) between daily rainfall levels and sewage discharge was found in the dataset covering 2018–2023. When categorizing daily rainfall into groups labelled “A” through “G” and comparing them to sewage flows, a pattern emerged: Rain-free days in group “A” had the lowest average sewage flow (10,996 m³/d), while heavy rain days in group “G”, had the highest average flow (22,112 m³/d). This observation underscores a significant correlation between intensified rainfall and increased volume of sewage discharge. Through a comprehensive analysis of factors such as sewage composition, meteorological dynamics and chronological sequences, we will gain an enhanced ability to prognosticate and govern sewage systems. The significance of this is heightened within the context of evolving climatic dynamics.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00202023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0013<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>Hydrogen is expected to be one of the most important fuels meeting stringent emission standards shortly. Using hydrogen as a fuel in an internal combustion engine (ICE) is an alternative application to replace hydrocarbon fuels that, when burned, produce harmful gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons, particulate matter, and greenhouse gases. This work provides an overview of the latest research results and future challenges and opportunities related to the use of hydrogen to power ICEs. The article presents the work of various research centres describing the technical use of hydrogen as a fuel in motor vehicles with combustion engines. Specific chemical and physical properties of hydrogen used in combustion engines were presented. The article presents modern research on a hydrogen-powered ICE. First, the basics of hydrogen engines are described, examining the engine-specific properties of hydrogen, followed by a review of the existing literature. Attention was paid to the fundamental importance of optimising the air composition from the point of view of combustion quality, NOx emissions, engine efficiency, and performance. Another issue under consideration is cleaning exhaust gases to meet future emissions regulations for hydrogen-fuelled combustion engines.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00132023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0018<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The calculation aimed to verify the life cycle assessment (LCA) results of the bulky waste management technology by using sensitivity analysis. Different sensitivity analyses for LCA were carried out to point out which of the tested methods gave the most reliable LCA results. The main factor that helped to find the best-fitted method was CO₂ emissions. The LCA analyses were performed by IOŚ-PIB using SimaPro software based on the technology data obtained during the Urbanrec project. The sensitivity analysis was conducted twofold: the LCA analysis was carried out for different time horizons in the frame of the ReCiPe method egalitarian (E), individual (I), and hierarchic (H). In the second step, the LCA results for the ReCiPe method were compared with the LCA results for methods: CML-IA, Impact 2002+, and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GGP). The results of the LCA for all endpoints are sensitive to changes in the time horizon, which is reflected in the change in impact assessment methods used in calculations. The biggest differences are visible between the egalitarian and individual perspectives. In the second case of the sensitivity analysis, differences in results between the individual analytical methods used for LCAs can be observed. The obtained results show a high sensitivity of LCA results from the adopted time horizon, as well as moderate sensitivity of the carbon footprint depending on the method of analysis used.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00182023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0019<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The paper presents obtaining the average PM_2.5 emission factor from coal combustion in the residential sector using (statistical) Monte Carlo simulation combined with the model proposed by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_027">Lorenz 1999</xref>] and [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_036">Radović 1997</xref>], also applied by [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_039">Stala–Szlugaj 2011</xref>]. According to the results of laboratory experiments [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_005">Czaplicka et al. 2019</xref>; <xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_032">Shen 2014</xref>], the estimated amount of PM_2.5 released into the air from the individually heated residential sector might be underestimated. Simulated emission factor is used for estimation of the PM_2.5 emission trend for the period 1990–2018 and compared with the data provided by the official Polish emission inventory [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_030">NCEM 2020</xref>]. Due to significant changes in officially applied data (share of coal consumption and emission factor) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_028">MCAE 2023</xref>], and to ensure the data consistency with projected fuel demand [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_040">Stala–Szlugaj 2017</xref>], and PM_2.5 emissions [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_029">MSA 2019</xref>], the older data is used [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0019_ref_030">NCEM 2020</xref>] in the paper. In the near future, the next substantial changes in projected fuel use are expected due to the ongoing works on the update of the National Energy and Climate Plan.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00192023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0015<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The energy mix determines the external costs of transport and the benefits from investments in the drive systems perceived as more environmentally friendly, such as electric vehicles.</p> <p>The aim of this article was to present a methodology to determine the environmentally preferable urban bus drive systems (electric, hydrogen, CNG, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and diesel) depending on CO₂ emission factors related to the production of electricity in a given country.</p> <p>The developed methodology was exemplified by the Polish energy system. The results indicate the environmentally preferable types of urban bus drive systems, taking into account vehicle exploitation.</p> <p>The results obtained can inform the decision-making process and, in particular, enable state administrations in EU countries to define a support mechanism for public transport (e.g., through subsidies) that is appropriate to the environmental benefits of operating particular types of vehicles under country-specific energy mix conditions.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00152023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0010<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>The analysis carried out regarding the costs of adapting to the best available technique (BAT) conclusions in relation to the benefits achieved (external costs) showed that these benefits significantly exceed the cost of investments necessary to meet the required levels of permissible best available technique-associated emission levels (BAT-AELs). In the case of sulfur dioxide, the ratio of costs incurred to benefits obtained is only 3%, for nitrogen oxides 7%, and for dust it is less than 1%. This is primarily due to a significant increase in external costs, published in 2021 by the EEA. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that a precise assessment of external costs should be based on the analyses of individual facilities, taking into account their local specificity.</p> <p>The analysis showed that the most cost-effective way was to adapt the coal-fired power plant sector to the requirements related to reducing dust emissions. Significant benefits were achieved as a result of small investment outlays.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00102023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0011<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This study addresses the issue of assessing the functioning of farms in areas with diverse natural farming conditions by evaluating them using the latest version of the Agricultural Production Area Valorization (APAV) index. Analyses were performed on three types of farms: fully organic farms, organic farms with co-existing conventional production, and conventional-production farms. To achieve the research objective, 259 communes were selected depending on the level of their APAV. Assessments were made of their production potential, production organization, production and economic results in communes with average APAVs below, equal to, and higher than the national average (66.6 points) based on data from farms continuously keeping accounts for the Polish farm accountancy data network (FADN) in between 2019–2021. The Shannon-Wiener index (S-W index) was used to measure the degree of diversity of crop species in the farms’ sown crops, and determine what proportion of those were structure-forming plants. This research demonstrates that in order for interest in organic production to develop under current conditions, there must be sufficient financial support for agricultural producers, especially in areas with more difficult farming conditions.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00112023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0012<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>There has been a decline in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per capita in all world regions since the 1990s. In developing countries, this decline has been attributed to population growth and an increase in absolute emissions, while in developed countries, the trend is mainly due to a decrease in absolute emissions combined with minor population changes.</p> <p>This paper aims to delve into the intricacies of global GHG emissions, with a spotlight on the agricultural sector. This paper assesses the patterns and reasons behind the decline in GHG emissions per capita since the 1990s across different regions. In particular, it addresses the concept of the “sustainable intensification of agriculture” and the debate between intensive vs. less-intensive production in the context of GHG emissions. Despite having high emissions per hectare, we argue that European countries show lower emissions in relation to production value, highlighting the region’s production intensity and efficiency. Compelling visual data representations and references from significant international bodies, such as the IPCC and EEA, bolster the paper’s findings and conclusions.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00122023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0007<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This study focuses on the development of urbanization around International Baghdad Airport and its impact on aviation meteorology in terms of the vertical changes of air temperature and wind. Based on the results published in [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="j_oszn-2023-0007_ref_033">Zeina, Al-Jiboori 2023</xref>], built-up areas were calculated using the satellite images of Landsat in ArcGIS 10.7 software in the month of July in five-year intervals between 1985 and 2020: 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015 and 2020. The result shows that surface air temperature has the lowest value, at 34.85 °C, in 1985, and the highest one, at 39.55 °C, in 2020. Variations in wind shear were also observed in 1990, 2005 and 2015 with a value of 0.06 s-1, while 2000 and 2020 both had a value of 0.054 s-1. In representing the relationship between the extracted areas and their meteorological parameters, we found a weak positive relationship between Built-up Index (BUI) area and air temperature, and a significant positive correlation between BUI areas and wind shear.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00072023-09-30T00:00:00.000+00:00https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-0008<abstract> <title style='display:none'>Abstract</title> <p>This article aims to identify the limitations of the method used in Poland to estimate losses caused by natural extreme phenomena [e.g., floods, flooding, heavy rainfall, strong winds, spring frosts and negative effects of wintering] and to propose recommendations that will improve our ability to assess the impact of extreme events in the country. Information about issues related to the adopted method for estimating the effects of natural extreme phenomena in the country was gathered through a survey conducted with participants in the damage and loss estimation process. This article focuses on examining the method of estimating losses applied after the occurrence of a specific event [ex-post].</p> <p>The method of estimating losses and the method of collecting data on losses in Poland does not guarantee comprehensive information on the effects of natural extreme events. Limited access to reliable data increases the uncertainty of research related to assessing the impact of extreme events on the environment, society and economy. The conducted research allowed us to develop recommendations, which were divided into two groups: the near- and long-term. They include the implementation of a system for collecting data on the effects of disasters, the development of methods to assess the social and long-term impact of extreme events and the development of methods involving satellite remote sensing and airborne laser scanning.</p> </abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/oszn-2023-00082023-09-30T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1