Legal Approach to State Environmental Protection in Light of the Analysis of the Odra River Crisis

The article highlights the evolution of state functions over the centuries and the most relevant contemporary state functions. The seriousness of the ecological crisis is highlighted using the example of current events. The genesis of the Odra catastrophe, its causes and consequences are presented in detail. The activities and structure of the Polish water authorities, as well as the existing legal regulations in this aspect, are highlighted. The conclusion is the need for legal changes to improve the protection of the Polish environment, but especially of rivers and lakes.