UN climate talks kick off in Warsaw amid hopes for new global deal

CHALLENGE FOR HOST COUNTRY

It remains unclear whether the coal-reliant host country can play a vital role in pushing forward global climate talks as Poland is in fact one of the world's most outspoken defenders of coal energy.

It appears ironic the Polish government plans to preside over a high-level coal industry event on the sidelines of the ongoing climate talks to discuss the role of coal in the global economy.

Polish authorities insist coal needs to be a key part of the climate debate, while coal companies normally keep a low profile during UN climate talks.

Coal accounts for nearly 90 percent of Poland's electricity generation for its 38 million people. Poland ranks fifth for carbon dioxide pollution in the European Union (EU), behind Germany, Britain, Italy and France, whose economies are far bigger.

While Poland used to block the EU from introducing stricter greenhouse gas emissions targets, it has started restructuring its energy mix to boost renewable energies, although coal will remain one of its principal energy sources in the near future.

Meanwhile, the first day of COP19 coincided with public marches in celebration of Poland's national independence day.