It has been noted that Poland in 1989 represesented what has been termed an environmental paradox, while the country feaured a well established set of policies and standards for environmental protection it also contained some of the worst environmental degredation in Europe. Environmental protection was one of the key themes in Poland's struggle for political transformation during the 1980s, and environmental goals were embraced by Solidarity and other groups. Environmental issues also figured prominently in the historic "Round Table" discussions in 1989 between the Solidarity-led opposition, the outgoing Jaruselski government, and the newly elected democratic leadership. One result of these discussions was the Environmental Protocol, which outlined a national environmental policy for the next decade that called for fundamental changes in Poland's environmental laws and institutions.…
