INTRA-REGIONAL DIFFERENTIATION IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL DIMENSION OF MUNICIPALITIES OF ŚWIĘTOKRZYSKIE VOIVODESHIP IN TERMS OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN 2010 AND 2020

Abstract

The region is a nexus of interaction between the social, economic, and environmental spheres. Demographic potential is a particularly salient factor, especially for peripheral regions (which is how the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship can be defined in terms of the EU). Transformations in demographic processes and structures exert influence over social, economic, and political aspects, as well as environmental changes. They necessitate the provision of additional transportation services, food, dwelling space, and clothing. The concentration of population and industry in a region has an impact on the environment, particularly with regard to the quality of life of residents and local ecosystems. The concept of independent regional development highlights the environmental factors that influence regional development. It addresses the developmental challenges faced by peripheral regions, incorporates environmental concerns into the development process, and integrates the environmental dimension with the economic and social aspects, particularly in the context of demographic shifts. The environment can be conceptualised as both a development factor and a component of endogenous potential, thereby providing a basis for delineating the process of action. The objective of this article is to evaluate the spatial differentiation of the natural environment of municipalities in relation to demographic changes, employing a synthetic measure. The analysis was conducted at the municipal level, encompassing 102 municipalities within the province of Świętokrzyskie. The data used in this study were sourced from the Central Statistical Office and relate to the years 2010 and 2020. The municipalities of the Świętokrzyskie province exhibit a distinctive character. The analysed areas frequently exhibit a negative migration balance, which has an adverse impact on the development process and the quality of the environment. From the perspective of the influence of demographic trends on economic processes, the ageing of the population represents a highly significant factor. Such shifts do not always have a negative impact on the economy, as they can stimulate demand for new products and services. The synthetic measure of demography exhibited a range of 0.30 to 0.67 in 2010 and 0.29 to 0.69 in 2020. With regard to the synthetic measure of natural environment and ecology in the municipalities of the Świętokrzyskie region, a variation was observed (0.25-0.52 in 2010, 0.30-0.60 in 2020). The natural environment is a key factor influencing the attractiveness and competitiveness of rural municipalities. The demographic potential of the natural environment is an important factor for development. Poland needs to strengthen synergies between green growth, environment and demographic aspects to address environmental and energy challenges and overcome resource shortages.

Keywords

• environment
• attractiveness
• demography
• synthetic measure
• topsis method