This Was the 2024 Beyond Gas Conference in Gdańsk, Poland

Conference report
by Daniela Maksin

On the last weekend of October in Poland’s northern port city of Gdańsk, the 2024 Beyond Gas Conference brought together a vibrant network of activists, environmentalists, and campaigners. Representatives from across Europe and far beyond joined creative and analytical forces to discuss strategies for combating fossil gas expansion, and enabling a transition towards genuine sustainable energy solutions. The event, held over four days, featured skill-sharing sessions, storytelling exercises, open spaces, and a photo stunt. By emphasizing collaboration, and solidarity, the conference aimed to challenge systemic reliance on fossil fuels and advocate for truly just and equitable alternatives.

Day 1: Addressing Root Causes

The discussion began with a focus on understanding the root causes of the climate crisis through an intersectional lens, acknowledging the interconnectedness of racism, capitalism, patriarchy, colonialism, and imperialism. Conversations emphasized that meaningful climate action must address these systemic inequities, not continue to work within their constraints.

A powerful storytelling session illustrated the strength of building bridges between diverse activist communities, from Azeri political prisoner advocates to cultural leaders like artists and theater directors. Using this example of one campaign against oil and gas companies as a starting point, participants were able to reflect on the challenges of broadening campaign narratives, including the importance of addressing localized struggles rather than only abstract global warming concepts. Reflective exercises encouraged attendees to identify affected groups and potential allies outside their usual networks, fostering opportunities for future collaborations.

After hearing about participants’ experiences on the ground in Europe, the US, and Africa, we discussed the challenges posed by the current political situation, particularly when it comes to gas. We also raised some tough questions in the room, like how we should deal with the growing number of opponents, conservatives, and far-right decision-makers. 

Day 2: Collaboration and Campaign Strategies

Participants were further introduced to some more personal accounts from their peers, with powerful campaign presentations from Texas, Zimbabwe, Canada and several European countries, inspiring both confidence and reflection. One speaker detailed impactful efforts against major fossil fuel financiers, including lawsuits targeting greenwashing and campaigns challenging bank involvement in dangerous LNG projects. Another shed light on the threatening social dimensions of militarized construction of LNG terminals in Canada, particularly in an Indigenous context, stressing the need for international pressure to hold perceived climate leaders accountable.

Interactive sessions encouraged attendees to envision the outcomes of their efforts in 2025, focusing on political opportunities, coalition building, and shifting the narratives on gas and hydrogen. Breakout groups delved even deeper into critical issues such as LNG, gas infrastructure decommissioning, green and blue hydrogen project critiques, and alliances with gas workers and unions. By proposing an open format for these discussions, all participants were encouraged to move freely between topics that interested them.

Day 3: Building a Joint Direction

The third day highlighted the intersectionality of energy struggles with broader social justice issues. More success stories, looking closely at current global events and international tensions, underscored the potential for reciprocal solidarity between climate movements and social justice causes. Collectively, the cohort thought about strategies to overcome divisions within anti-gas forces and leverage international coalitions to create systemic change.

Timeline creation exercises emphasized the importance of structured planning while accommodating the realities of life’s unpredictability. Attendees also discussed upcoming global events, including the 2025 European Gas Conference in Bucharest, the anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the counter World LNG Summit in Berlin, and preparations for important elections in 2025.

Closing Action: Solidarity Against the planned Gdańsk LNG facility

The conference culminated in a powerful collective photo stunt on the beach at Górki Zachodnie, a location reflecting the pressing environmental issues at stake. Activists gathered to oppose the proposed construction of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) in the Gulf of Gdańsk, an project seen as a threat to local ecosystems, communities, and our global climate. Residents and activists of the surrounding districts have long voiced concerns about the terminal’s potential to devastate nature, disrupt recreational access, and exacerbate pollution in the region. By staging the action on this contested ground, participants sought to amplify the voices of these affected communities and draw national and international attention to the urgent need for alternative solutions.

The demonstration was organized by key environmental groups, including Greenpeace Polska, Food & Water Action Europe, Friends of the Earth Europe, Polska Zielona Sieć and Pracownia na rzecz Wszystkich Istot, who collaborated to make the protest both impactful and visually striking. Participants formed a massive “Stop Gas” sign visible from the air, with drone footage capturing the moment to spread their message to a broader audience. By leveraging such imagery, organizers hoped to not only influence public opinion but also pressure decision-makers to reconsider their support for the terminal.

Speakers at the action highlighted the terminal’s implications for Poland’s energy future, emphasizing that 80% of the country’s gas is imported, much of which is fracked gas from the U.S. . This dependence on external suppliers, they argued, undermines Poland’s energy security and locks the nation into a fossil fuel paradigm at a time when an urgent transition to renewables is needed. They called for redirecting resources toward truly clean, sustainable energy solutions, such as 100% clean energy and storage systems, efficiency improvements, and demand reductions. This encapsulated the conference’s core message: meaningful change begins when diverse voices unite to challenge the status quo and envision a better future.

Day 4: Key Takeaways and Next Steps

The final day of the conference allowed everyone to shape the space to meet their individual needs, whether that was a chance to relax and soak up the beauty of Gdańsk, revisit meaningful conversations, or deepen the discussions they had  throughout the previous days.

The 2024 Beyond Gas Conference reaffirmed the critical need for intersectional, transnational efforts to address the climate crisis. By focusing on root causes and fostering collaboration across diverse movements, participants left equipped with actionable insights and renewed resolve. Looking ahead, the conference set the stage for continued mobilization against LNG expansion, hydrogen greenwashing, and extractivist energy projects, while amplifying the voices of frontline communities most impacted by these issues.