Ulaanbaatar's Air Pollution: A City Choking On Smog

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital city, is known for having some of the dirtiest air in the world. The city's air pollution is a severe public health crisis, with UNICEF warning of a child health crisis due to the toxic air. The primary source of Ulaanbaatar's air pollution is the burning of coal for heating and cooking, especially in the city's ger districts, where many residents live. The extreme winter temperatures, coupled with the use of coal, result in hazardous air quality levels. While the Mongolian government has implemented measures to improve air quality, such as banning raw coal and promoting cleaner energy alternatives, the city still faces significant challenges in reducing air pollution and protecting the health of its residents, especially children.

Ulaanbaatar is the world's most polluted capital city

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is the world's most polluted capital city. The city's air quality is so poor that the smoke is often thick enough that people and buildings are visible only in outline. The air is acrid and inescapable, with a sooty smell that stings throats.

The pollution is caused by a combination of the city's topography and extreme climate. Ulaanbaatar, the world's coldest capital, is located in a river valley surrounded by mountains, which trap smog. The extreme cold, with temperatures dipping below -40 degrees Celsius, means that residents burn large amounts of coal to keep warm, creating harmful emissions. The problem is particularly acute in the ger districts, where poorer residents live in traditional round tents or simple houses and burn coal for heating and cooking. The city's rapid and unplanned growth in recent years, with nomadic herders settling on the city's outskirts, has exacerbated the problem.

The air pollution in Ulaanbaatar has severe health implications for the entire population, especially children. UNICEF has warned of a "child health crisis", with young children being especially vulnerable due to their smaller lungs, faster breathing rate, and less developed immune systems. The pollution has been linked to an increase in respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, as well as heart disease and tuberculosis. It is also believed to impair children's brain development and endanger future productivity.

In response to the health crisis, the Mongolian government has implemented several measures to improve air quality. In 2019, with the support of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the government banned the use of raw coal in Ulaanbaatar, encouraging the use of cleaner-burning coal briquettes and establishing technical standards for vehicle pollution. The ADB also provided funding to improve energy efficiency in homes and raise awareness about air pollution. These efforts have led to a marked improvement in air quality, with the city's air now consistently ranking among the most polluted cities on earth during the winter months.

The city's topography and extreme climate are contributing factors

The air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital city, is among the worst in the world. Several factors contribute to this dire situation, and the city's unique topography and extreme climate play significant roles.

Ulaanbaatar is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, which creates a natural basin.

Coal burning for heating and cooking is a major cause

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital city, is facing a public health crisis due to poor air quality. The city's air pollution is caused by various factors, including geographical location, extreme climate, and the use of coal for heating and cooking, which is a major contributor.

Coal burning for heating and cooking is a significant cause of Ulaanbaatar's air pollution, especially during the harsh winters. The city's residents, including those living in the ger districts, rely heavily on coal to keep warm. The smoke from burning coal releases particulate matter, such as PM2.5, and other harmful pollutants into the air, leading to a decline in air quality. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less, which can carry toxic substances like arsenic and mercury. These particles are small enough to penetrate the body's defensive filters and pose serious health risks.

The use of coal for heating and cooking in Ulaanbaatar has severe health implications for the population, particularly children. The pollution caused by coal burning can lead to respiratory illnesses, such as pneumonia, and other health issues. UNICEF has warned of a potential ""child health crisis"" due to the toxic air, which can impair lung development and brain development in children. The impact of air pollution on children's health has led to concerns among residents and activists, with some considering leaving the city to protect their families.

To address the issue of coal burning, the Mongolian government has implemented several measures. The National Program for Reducing Air and Environmental Pollution, adopted in March 2017, aims for an 80% reduction in air pollution by 2025. The government has also banned the use of raw coal in Ulaanbaatar since May 2019, encouraging the use of cleaner alternatives like coal briquettes. Additionally, projects like the SWITCH-Asia Switch Off Air Pollution (SOAP) initiative aim to reduce coal consumption in the ger districts by improving energy efficiency and providing financial and technological support to households.

While efforts to reduce coal burning and improve air quality in Ulaanbaatar are ongoing, the city still faces significant challenges. The extreme winter temperatures, which can drop below -30 degrees Celsius, drive the reliance on coal for heating. Furthermore, rapid urbanization and the influx of nomadic herders settling in the city's outskirts have contributed to the air pollution crisis. Nevertheless, with the implementation of government initiatives, international support, and increasing awareness, there is a concerted effort to mitigate the negative impacts of coal burning and improve the air quality in Ulaanbaatar.

The pollution is a public health crisis, especially for children

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, has some of the dirtiest air in the world. The air pollution is so bad that, at times, people and buildings are visible only as outlines, and the air is thick with the smell of smoke. The pollution is a public health crisis, especially for children.

Children are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of air pollution than adults. Their bodies are smaller, and they breathe more rapidly, taking in more air relative to their body weight. They also tend to spend more time outdoors, playing and doing other activities, and they breathe air that is closer to the ground, which is often closer to sources of pollution like dust and vehicle exhaust. Furthermore, children's organs and immune systems are still developing, and their lungs are not yet fully formed. As a result, air pollution can cause respiratory infections, including pneumonia, acute lower respiratory infections, upper respiratory infections, and otitis media (ear infections). It can also trigger asthma and even childhood cancer. UNICEF's Mongolia representative, Alex Heikens, believes that air pollution in Ulaanbaatar is "more than a public health crisis," arguing that it is a long-term threat to the nation's well-being, permanently scarring lungs and impairing children's brain development.

The primary source of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar is coal burning. Coal is essential for surviving the harsh Mongolian winters, but it comes at a steep cost. As nomadic herders have settled in the city's outskirts, they have relied on coal stoves for heating and cooking. The pollution is worst during the winter when people burn coal to heat their homes. The smoke mixes with the diesel fumes from vehicles, creating a toxic mix.

The impact of air pollution on children's health is not limited to Ulaanbaatar but is a global issue. In 2021, air pollution was the second-leading risk factor for death among children under five globally, after malnutrition. It was linked to around 709,000 deaths in children under five, with more than 70% of these deaths attributed to household air pollution from cooking with polluting fuels. The highest number of deaths was in Africa and South Asia. In addition to the mortality risk, air pollution also causes morbidity, with children suffering from asthma, respiratory issues, and other health problems due to exposure to polluted air.

Addressing air pollution and its impact on children's health requires a multi-faceted approach. In the short term, improving air quality around schools and kindergartens can help reduce children's exposure. However, the underlying causes of air pollution, such as the reliance on coal and other polluting fuels, must also be addressed through policy changes and sustainable development.

Efforts to improve air quality are being made by the government and NGOs

Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is one of the most polluted cities in the world. The air pollution in the city is so bad that on some days, people and buildings are visible only in outline. The pollution is caused mainly by the use of coal and charcoal for heating, especially during the harsh winters. To combat this problem, the government and NGOs are working to improve air quality through various initiatives.

The Mongolian government has taken some measures to mitigate the problem, including declaring air pollution a state of emergency in 2017. They have also implemented rural development programs to improve living conditions in the provinces and reduce migration to the capital, which is a significant contributor to the city's pollution. However, government efforts have been criticized as insufficient.

Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Breathe Mongolia, a grassroots movement, and Switch Off Air Pollution (SOAP), an EU-funded program, are also actively working to improve air quality in Ulaanbaatar. SOAP aims to improve energy efficiency in the housing sector by retrofitting homes with better insulation and promoting the use of electric heaters. This project is expected to save a significant amount of coal and reduce air pollution.

Other initiatives by NGOs include raising awareness about air pollution, providing financial intermediation, and offering training and technological support to small businesses and households. These organizations are also working to improve the financial situation of vulnerable families in the city.

The efforts of both the government and NGOs are crucial in addressing Ulaanbaatar's air pollution crisis. By implementing energy-efficient solutions, raising awareness, and providing support to vulnerable populations, they are taking steps towards improving the health and well-being of the city's residents.

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