Regional diversity of the environmental quality of life in Poland

Purpose: The paper aims to assess the variation in the environmental quality of life in Poland's voivodships in 2021. The study uses indicators to monitor the links between the natural environment and society. They indicate how environmental conditions affect the quality of life and well-being of the population. Design/methodology/approach: The study used one of the taxonomic methods - the TOPSIS method, based on which the voivodships were divided into four classes characterised by similar levels of environmental quality of life. Findings: The study results showed that Podkarpackie, Lubuskie, Małopolskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie voivodships, characterised by high natural values and relatively low environmental impact ratios compared to other voivodships and the national average, were in the best group due to the environmental quality of life. The last places belonged to the Pomorskie, Opolskie, Łódzkie and Śląskie Voivodships. Most of them are industrial, which means that the indicators of environmental impact, especially air pollution and collected waste, are relatively high and exceed the national average. Social implications: The research results presented in the article may be useful for the diagnosis of current results and the revision of the environmental policy of the entire country as well as their individual regions in the future. Originality/value: The article fits into contemporary debates on the effectiveness of implementing the concept of green economy as a tool for sustainable development.