Reducing Air Pollution: Mongolia's Initiatives For Cleaner Air

Mongolia has some of the worst air pollution in the world, with air pollution causing over 4,000 deaths per year in the country. UNICEF has warned of a child health crisis in the country, with pneumonia being the second-leading cause of death for children under five. In response to this crisis, the Mongolian government has implemented measures such as a raw coal ban in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar, which has led to a visible improvement in air quality. However, poverty and rural-to-urban migration have been cited as major contributors to air pollution in the country, and social and economic policies are needed to address these issues. Other recommendations to reduce air pollution in Mongolia include improving solid waste management, paving roads, and increasing public awareness about air pollution.

Reduce raw coal consumption

Mongolia has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the most polluted countries in the world. In 2019, it had a yearly average PM2.5 level of 62 μg/m³, placing it third out of all the most polluted cities ranked worldwide. Ulan Bator, the capital, is the most polluted capital in the world, overtaking New Delhi and Beijing in 2016.

To address this crisis, the Government of Mongolia implemented a raw coal ban in May 2019. This law bans the individual and business use of raw coal in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar, excluding power plants with special licenses. The government also provided an alternative product called "refined coal briquettes" at a subsidised price. This ban has resulted in a visible improvement in air quality over the first year of its implementation. However, it is important to note that the raw coal ban alone is not enough to solve Mongolia's air pollution crisis. Poverty is a significant factor contributing to Ulaanbaatar's poor air quality. Thus, social and economic policies that aim to address poverty are crucial to reducing air pollution in the country.

To further reduce raw coal consumption, the following measures can be implemented:

• Provide affordable and accessible alternatives: The government can continue to subsidise cleaner energy sources, such as refined coal briquettes, to make them more affordable for low-income households. They can also explore other alternatives, such as solar or wind energy, and provide incentives or subsidies for households to transition to these cleaner energy sources.
• Improve infrastructure: Upgrading infrastructure, such as paving roads in Ger areas, can help reduce the need for raw coal transportation and improve overall air quality.
• Address social and economic inequalities: Implementing social and economic policies to address poverty and reduce socioeconomic divides can help reduce the reliance on raw coal for heating and cooking, especially in Ger districts.
• Educate the public: Raising awareness about the health risks of air pollution and providing information on alternative energy sources can empower people to make informed choices and reduce their raw coal consumption.
• Improve waste management: Implementing better solid waste management practices can help reduce the amount of pollution caused by coal combustion and encourage the adoption of cleaner energy sources.
• Encourage the use of public transportation: Promoting the use of public transportation, such as buses or trains, can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and, consequently, lower raw coal consumption.

By combining these measures with the existing raw coal ban, Mongolia can make significant strides towards reducing raw coal consumption and improving the air quality for its citizens.

Improve social and economic policies

Mongolia's air pollution is a public health crisis, with UNICEF warning of a "child health crisis" due to the toxic air. The country's air pollution is caused by a combination of factors, including rapid urbanization, an increase in migration, climate change, extreme weather, and poverty.

To improve social and economic policies to reduce air pollution in Mongolia, the following measures could be implemented:

Addressing Poverty

Poverty is a significant driver of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, as it forces people to use cheaper and more polluting fuels for heating and cooking, such as raw coal. To sustainably reduce air pollution, social and economic policies must aim to lift people out of poverty. This can include measures such as providing access to affordable clean energy alternatives, such as the CHIP (Cooking, Heating, and Insulation Package) initiative supported by UNICEF, which replaces coal-burning stoves with electric ones.

Education and Awareness

Education and awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in reducing air pollution and mitigating its health impacts. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of integrating environmental and health considerations into urban planning and increasing public awareness through campaigns. Mongolia's greatest resource is its people, and by harnessing their innate decisiveness and determination, behavior change is possible. Providing access to real-time air quality data and information can also empower individuals to make informed decisions to reduce their exposure to pollution.

Social Safety Nets

Implementing social safety net programs can help reduce the impact of air pollution on vulnerable populations. This can include initiatives such as providing free or subsidized high-quality particle filtering masks to those who cannot avoid areas of high pollution, especially children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to the health effects of air pollution.

Urban Planning and Infrastructure

Improving urban planning and infrastructure development can help reduce air pollution and its health impacts. This includes creating green areas, re-locating offices and commercial spaces to be more convenient for pedestrians and cyclists, and improving solid waste management practices. Additionally, addressing the socioeconomic divide and wealth inequality can help ensure that all residents have access to basic services and infrastructure, such as paved roads, clean energy, and proper waste disposal systems.

Improve traffic congestion

Mongolia has been facing an air pollution crisis, with the capital city of Ulaanbaatar being the most polluted. The city's topography, extreme climate, rapid urbanization, and increase in migration are some factors contributing to the high levels of pollution.

Traffic congestion is a significant factor in worsening air quality. As traffic congestion increases, so do vehicle emissions, which are a primary contributor to air pollution. The increased number of vehicles on the road leads to higher emissions of pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM). These emissions have severe health impacts, with residents of Ulaanbaatar experiencing respiratory issues and an increased rate of pneumonia.

To improve traffic congestion and reduce air pollution in Mongolia, the following measures can be implemented:

• Promote Public Transport: Developing and encouraging the use of public transportation can help reduce the number of private vehicles on the road. This includes investing in efficient and environmentally friendly public transport options, such as electric buses, trams, or metro systems.
• Improve Traffic Management: Implementing intelligent traffic management systems can help optimize traffic flow. This includes measures such as improving road infrastructure, introducing traffic signal synchronization, and utilizing traffic apps that provide real-time congestion data to help drivers avoid congested routes.
• Encourage Green Transportation: Incentivizing the use of electric vehicles (EVs) and other low-emission transportation options, such as bicycles and electric scooters, can help reduce vehicle emissions. Offering tax breaks or subsidies for purchasing EVs and developing infrastructure for EV charging stations can make these options more accessible and attractive to residents.
• Implement Congestion Pricing: Following the example of cities like London and Stockholm, introducing congestion charges for vehicles entering certain areas of Ulaanbaatar can help reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. This involves charging drivers a fee when they enter specific zones during peak hours, with the revenue generated being used to improve public transport and active travel infrastructure.
• Optimize Delivery and Freight Movement: Freight vehicles, such as trucks and vans, contribute significantly to traffic congestion and emissions. Optimizing delivery routes and consolidating freight movements can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This can be achieved by encouraging off-hour deliveries, implementing load pooling, and utilizing electric or low-emission freight options.
• Educate the Public: Raising awareness about the impact of traffic congestion on air quality can empower residents to make informed choices. Educating the public about the benefits of carpooling, using public transportation, and reducing idle vehicle time can help reduce the number of vehicles on the road and improve air quality.

Raise public awareness

Raising public awareness is a crucial aspect of reducing air pollution in Mongolia, particularly in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, which has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities worldwide.

One effective way to raise awareness is through educational initiatives and public information campaigns. The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the importance of integrating environmental and health considerations into urban planning, requiring collaboration across various sectors. By involving multiple ministries in drafting policies and plans, such as the 2017 Mongolia National Program on Reduction of Air and Environmental Pollution, the Mongolian government recognizes that tackling air pollution requires a holistic approach. This program aims to decrease air pollutants by 80% and reduce air and environmental pollution by at least 50% by 2025. Additionally, the government has implemented measures like the raw coal ban in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar, which has visibly improved air quality.

UNICEF has also played a pivotal role in supporting a green transition in Mongolia. They have introduced initiatives like the CHIP (Cooking, Heating, and Insulation Package), which replaces coal-burning stoves with electric ones in traditional Mongolian gers. This not only improves indoor air quality but also reduces health risks, especially for children who are vulnerable to respiratory diseases. UNICEF has partnered with the Mongolian government to install low-cost air quality sensors in kindergartens, using the data collected as a teaching tool for students to raise awareness about air pollution.

To further enhance public awareness, the WHO recommends joining the BreatheLife campaign, a joint initiative by WHO and UN Environment. This campaign aims to increase public awareness and encourage action on air pollution. Additionally, the general public can utilize resources like air quality maps and apps, such as those provided by IQAir, to stay informed about real-time pollution levels and make informed decisions to minimize their exposure to harmful pollutants.

By combining educational initiatives, public information campaigns, and the adoption of clean energy solutions, Mongolia can effectively raise public awareness about the air pollution crisis and empower its citizens to take proactive measures to improve their health and well-being.

Improve indoor air quality

Improving indoor air quality is crucial to reducing the detrimental health impacts of air pollution in Mongolia, especially on children's health. UNICEF has reported that pneumonia is the second-leading cause of death for children under five in the country, and respiratory infections in Ulan Bator have increased by 270% over the last 10 years. UNICEF has also noted that children living in the capital have a 40% lower lung function than those in rural areas.

To improve indoor air quality, it is essential to address the sources of indoor air pollution, which are primarily the use of coal-burning stoves and raw coal in households. UNICEF, in partnership with the Mongolian government, has introduced the CHIP (Cooking, Heating, and Insulation Package), which replaces coal-burning stoves with electric ones. This initiative aims to improve indoor air quality and reduce health risks, especially for children. The CHIP is approximately the same size as the coal-burning stove and provides heating and insulation while running on electricity. About 2,000 CHIP packages have been installed in households and ger kindergartens in Ulaanbaatar and other province centers.

In addition to the CHIP initiative, the Mongolian government has implemented a raw coal ban in 2019, prohibiting the use of raw coal in six central districts of Ulaanbaatar. The ban provides an alternative called "refined coal briquettes" at a subsidized price. This initiative has resulted in a visible improvement in air quality. However, it is important to note that the ban faced implementation challenges and did not address the underlying social and economic issues contributing to indoor air pollution.

To effectively improve indoor air quality, it is crucial to combine technological solutions with social and economic policies. Addressing poverty and providing support to low-income families can help reduce their reliance on harmful fuel sources. Additionally, raising awareness about the health impacts of indoor air pollution and promoting behavioral changes can empower individuals to make informed decisions to improve their indoor environments.

Furthermore, improving indoor air quality in public spaces such as schools and kindergartens is essential. UNICEF, in collaboration with the Mongolian Ministry of Health and other ministries, has installed low-cost air quality sensors in 70 kindergartens. This initiative not only helps monitor air quality but also educates students about the importance of clean air and encourages behavioral changes from an early age.

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