Four teams, 24 hours of creative work. A lot of discussions, disputes and positive energy – that is, the 2nd edition of Climathon behind us.

The winner of the second edition of Climathon was a team of Jagiellonian University geography students, consisting of: Aleksandra Łęczek, Kamil Rosiński, Karolina Wieczerzak i Dominik Zwiech.

They prepared the “City cha(lle)nge” project is to be a social campaign combined with a mobile application.
“We wanted to create a tool that would reach the younger generation. We want to change the city by challenging ourselves.” – They said during the presentation of their idea in front of the participants and the jury.

“Choosing the best project was not easy”. – Joanna Mieszkowicz, president of the Aeris Futuro Foundation, co-organizer of the event, summed up the jury’s deliberations – “Each of the presented projects had many interesting ideas. I’m glad that there are so many people with an awareness of the need for climate protection”.

“The winning project has the best chance to be implemented by the city”. – Explained Andrzej Łazęcki, deputy director of the municipal economy department of the City of Krakow, chairman of the jury.

Awarded projects

The “Zróbmy dobry klimat” project (meaning: Let’s make a good climate), which won second place, was prepared by: Cezary Czempik of the All-Polish Natural Building Association from Poznan, Jakub Stachowiak, Apolinary Zuchowicz and Olga Vovk. Its authors proposed the use of innovative solutions to improve the climate of apartments and reduce operating costs. It was aimed at people replacing stoves.

Third place went to the project “Klimat jest w nas!” (meaning: The climate within us!) by Kinga Choczynska, Andżelika Grywalska and Waldemar Boczar. The authors planned a social campaign using a CO₂ calculator to make people aware of the need to save energy. The campaign was to be combined with contests and mobile applications.

Fourth place went to Magdalena Kasprzak, Roman Niebieski’s project aimed at Krakow drivers.

Good energy of the event

“We came with an idea for a project, but it was turned upside down during discussions with experts”. – Participants in the event recounted. “We were afraid that we wouldn’t be able to prepare the project for six hours.” The winners revealed. “However, we managed.”

The bar of the competition was indeed set high. The level of the works was watched over by our experts– Joanna Mieszkowicz – president of the Aeris Futuro Foundation, dr. Anita Bokwa – Jagiellonian University, Institute of Geography and Spatial Management, Department of Climatology, Andrzej Łazęcki – Deputy Director of the Department of Municipal Economy of the City of Krakow, Andrzej Kraśnieński, Paweł Jastrzębski – Center for Energy Conservation and Sustainable Development at the AGH University of Science and Technology in Miękinia, and Paweł Szlachta – Chairman of the Board of the Forum of Clusters of Lesser Poland.

In addition to substantive support, everyone could count on the help of coaches and advisors –Lara Woodgate-Malan from Cracowian Embassy, Agnieszka Dziewitek from Pracownia Obywatelska and Miłosz Tatara.

To work creatively it is good to have good interludes. We made sure of that, too. All participants were able to climb the St. Mary’s Basilica Tower just after midnight to see our city at night. Immediately afterwards, Janek Szpil, who led a laughter yoga class, was waiting for them at the Cracowian Embassy. The climb up the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica was made possible thanks to the National Fire Department and the Basilica’s administration.

Climathon is not only about creative work, but also about spending time together, talking and making new friends.
“There’s such a good energy here that it’s a joy to hang out despite the fatigue”. – Heard from participants.

Event organizers: City Hall of Krakow, Aeris Futuro Foundation, Klimate-KIC

• Partners: the Climate Coalition, the Center for Sustainable Development and Energy Conservation of the AGH University of Science and Technology in Miękinia, the Krakow Embassy, Fair Trade
• Media partners: zielonewydarzenia.pl, ekologia.pl, chronmyklimat.pl, Radio Kraków