Air Pollution In Mongolia: Sources And Impacts

Mongolia has some of the world's worst air pollution, particularly in its capital, Ulaanbaatar, where nearly half of the country's population resides. The main sources of air pollution in Mongolia are coal-burning stoves in the ger districts (informal settlements), vehicular emissions, and power plants. The burning of coal in these districts accounts for 80% of Ulaanbaatar's air pollution during the winter months. The rapid urbanization and rural to urban migration in Mongolia, particularly in its capital, has also contributed significantly to the country's air pollution crisis.

Coal-burning stoves in Ulaanbaatar's ger districts

Mongolia is a country located in East Asia, with a long history of nomadic rule. Its capital, Ulaanbaatar, is home to almost half of the country's population. Ulaanbaatar is one of the most polluted capitals in the world, with PM2.5 pollution levels reaching 687 micrograms per cubic meter on the coldest days of the year—27 times the level the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends as safe.

The most important source of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar comes from coal-burning stoves in the ger districts, which are informal settlements that have sprung up due to a lack of clarity about land ownership. The ger, or yurt, is a circular tent with a single room, with a family's bedding and furniture surrounding a central stove. These traditional dwellings are heated with stoves that burn coal, wood, or dung. During the harsh winters, when temperatures can drop to −40 °C, coal is used because it burns longer than other fuels.

The coal-burning stoves in the ger districts are a primary contributor to Ulaanbaatar's air pollution. According to a World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific policy brief published in 2018, 80% of the city's air pollution in the winter months is caused by households and low-pressure boilers burning raw coal in these districts. The smoke from the coal stoves creates a blanket of foul air that engulfs the city for half the year, posing a profound threat to the health of its residents, especially children.

To address this issue, the Mongolian government has introduced initiatives such as providing subsidies to families for stoves that produce less pollution and implementing a coal-burning ban in the capital. Efforts are also underway to replace traditional heating stoves with improved low-emission, high-efficiency stoves. However, the cost of electric heaters that can adequately heat a thinly insulated home in winter is often out of reach for many residents in the ger districts.

The impact of air pollution from coal-burning stoves extends beyond respiratory issues, affecting the cardiovascular system, brain development, and increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and adverse birth outcomes. It is crucial to address this situation through concrete efforts to reduce exposures and mitigate the significant health consequences for the population of Ulaanbaatar, especially the vulnerable children.

Rural to urban migration

Mongolia has seen a significant increase in rural-to-urban migration in recent years, with people moving from rural and provincial areas to the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. This migration has had a substantial impact on the levels of pollution in the country, particularly in the capital.

Ulaanbaatar is home to more than half of Mongolia's three million population, and it has experienced rapid population growth in the last few decades. The city has become a hub for economic, social, and cultural opportunities, offering better employment, salaries, cultural events, and infrastructure. As a result, people from rural areas have been drawn to the capital in search of a better life, especially due to the changes in climate that have affected traditional livelihoods such as farming and livestock rearing.

The influx of people into Ulaanbaatar has put a strain on the city's resources and infrastructure. The lack of forward-looking urban planning has led to challenges such as limited access to social resources, overcrowdedness, traffic congestion, and increased pollution. The high concentration of people and activities in the capital has contributed to a significant decline in air quality, with Ulaanbaatar being ranked as one of the most polluted capitals in the world.

The main sources of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar include coal-burning stoves, vehicular emissions, and industrial activities. During the winter months, households and low-pressure boilers burn raw coal to stay warm, leading to extremely high levels of PM2.5 pollution. The rapid urbanization and industrialization in Mongolia have also contributed to the increase in emission sources and types of air pollutants, especially in urban areas.

The government of Mongolia has recognized the urgency of addressing air pollution and has introduced initiatives such as a coal-burning ban in Ulaanbaatar. Additionally, organizations like UNICEF and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are exploring solutions, including incentivizing urban-to-rural migration to relieve the strain on the capital and improve overall air quality in the country.

Vehicular emissions

Mongolia is a country located in East Asia, known for its nomadic culture and freezing winters. In recent years, it has gained a reputation for having some of the world's worst air pollution, particularly in its capital, Ulaanbaatar, during the winter months.

The impact of vehicular emissions on air quality is further exacerbated by the topography of Ulaanbaatar, which is built in a river valley surrounded by mountains. This geographical feature traps smog and prevents its dispersal, leading to a build-up of pollutants in the air.

To address the issue of vehicular emissions, the World Health Organization (WHO) has provided several recommendations to the Mongolian government. These include implementing measures to prevent traffic congestion and reduce the reliance on motorized transport. Creating green areas, relocating offices and commercial spaces to more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly locations, and integrating environmental and health considerations into urban planning are all suggested strategies.

Additionally, WHO recommends more stringent national standards for outdoor air quality, aligning with their Air Quality Guidelines. Concrete steps advised by WHO include introducing better solid waste management practices and paving roads in the Ger areas of Ulaanbaatar.

The Mongolian government has also taken some steps to mitigate vehicular emissions. For example, they have introduced a coal-burning ban in the capital starting in May, recognizing that coal is a significant contributor to air pollution when used in stoves and power plants during the winter. However, implementing this ban will be challenging, as coal is currently essential for heating and cooking in Ulaanbaatar's harsh winters.

Desertification and deforestation

Mongolia has been facing severe land degradation due to continuous soil erosion by unsustainable agricultural practices, land-use changes, and climate change. The country is one of the most vulnerable to climate change, with about 76.9% of its land affected by desertification and land degradation. This has led to a decline in forest cover, with 10% lost from 1980 to 2000, and a decrease of 383,600 hectares from 2007 to 2010. The consequences of deforestation include lowering groundwater levels, flash floods, and increased desertification.

The Mongolian government has implemented initiatives to combat desertification, such as the National Committee to Combat Desertification and the National Center to Combat Desertification. Between 1990 and 2001, the government spent $24.6 million on 14 anti-desertification projects. Additionally, the country's Billion Tree National Movement aims to increase forest cover to 9% by 2030 by planting and nurturing billions of trees. This will help absorb carbon, increase water resources, and promote climate-friendly business practices.

Deforestation in Mongolia is driven by human activity, pests, disease, and fires. The country's limited forest resources are vital for maintaining water conditions, preventing soil degradation, preserving permafrost, and controlling harmful emissions. However, these forests are diminishing due to logging and other factors. By 2000, over 1.2 million hectares of forested land were invaded by pests.

The combination of desertification and deforestation contributes to the overall air pollution levels in Mongolia, particularly in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, where 46% of the country's population resides. The high concentration of particulate matter, specifically PM2.5, poses significant health risks to the residents, especially children and pregnant women. The primary source of air pollution in Ulaanbaatar is the burning of raw coal in stoves during the cold season, with 80% of the city's air pollution attributed to this practice in the winter months.

Coal-fired power plants

Mongolia has a large amount of pollution due to the burning of organic matter and fossil fuels such as coal. Coal-fired power plants are a significant contributor to air pollution in Mongolia. The country has seven currently active coal-fired power stations, with plans to build six more.

Ulaanbaatar's air pollution is largely attributed to the burning of coal in households and low-pressure boilers in ger districts, especially during the winter months. The ger districts, or informal settlements, rely on coal-burning stoves for heating, which release pollutants directly into the air. The World Health Organization's Regional Office for the Western Pacific has reported that up to 80% of Ulaanbaatar's air pollution in winter is linked to coal burning in these districts.

Mongolia's State Energy Policy (2015-2030) outlines a plan to double their energy capacity by constructing six additional coal-fired power plants in the first phase (2015-2023). This expansion aims to meet the growing energy demands of the country and facilitate high-voltage electricity exports to neighbouring countries. The Shivee-Ovoo coal-fired power plant project, with a capacity of 5.38 GW, is a key initiative in this direction.

While coal-fired power plants contribute significantly to Mongolia's energy landscape, the government has also recognised the need for renewable energy sources. The second phase of the State Energy Policy (2024-2030) aims to increase the share of renewable energy in total installed capacity to 30%. This shift towards renewable energy is crucial in mitigating the environmental and health impacts of coal-fired power plants, which remain a significant source of air pollution in Mongolia.

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