Mongolia's Battle Against Air Pollution

Mongolia has been taking steps to combat air pollution, which is a pressing issue in the country, especially in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a set of recommendations for the Mongolian government to address this issue, including banning the burning of certain materials, improving indoor air quality, and implementing measures to reduce traffic congestion. The government has also introduced policies such as a ban on raw coal and the promotion of refined coal briquettes to reduce PM2.5 levels. In addition, Mongolia has received support from organizations like the Climate & Clean Air Coalition and UNICEF to develop strategies and implement projects aimed at improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite these efforts, Ulaanbaatar continues to rank as one of the most polluted cities globally, indicating that further action is needed to tackle air pollution effectively.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued recommendations to reduce air pollution

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a set of short-, medium-, and long-term recommendations for the Mongolian government to tackle air pollution. Air pollution is a pressing issue in Mongolia, causing over 4000 deaths every year in the landlocked country with a population of 3 million. The most harmful type of air pollution is fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is a major cause of diseases such as stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and acute and chronic respiratory diseases.

In the short term, the WHO recommends banning the burning of plastic, tires, vinyl, and other waste as fuel. They also suggest creating support schemes to help low-income groups adopt affordable cleaner technology. Improving indoor air quality is another short-term priority, which can be achieved by banning smoking indoors, improving ventilation, and controlling the overuse of solid fuels. The WHO also emphasizes the need to increase public awareness of the benefits of substituting solid fuel with processed, clean fuels. To reduce traffic congestion and the need for motorized transport, the WHO recommends creating green areas and relocating offices and commercial spaces to locations that are easily accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

As a medium-term intervention, the WHO suggests implementing more stringent national standards for outdoor air quality, aiming to reduce air pollution concentrations to the levels outlined in their Air Quality Guidelines. This includes introducing better solid waste management practices, paving roads in the Ger areas of the capital, and joining the BreatheLife campaign to raise public awareness and encourage action on air pollution.

In the long term, the WHO's Air Quality Guidelines provide global targets for national, regional, and city governments to strive towards improving the health of their citizens by reducing air pollution. These guidelines are based on scientific evidence and are regularly updated to incorporate new health studies. While not legally binding, the guidelines offer recommended levels and interim targets for common air pollutants, including PM2.5, O3, NO2, and SO2. By achieving these targets, countries can gradually improve air quality and yield significant health benefits for their populations.

The WHO supports countries in their efforts to reduce air pollution by providing evidence, building institutional capacity, and leveraging the health argument to convene sectors to tackle this issue. Additionally, the WHO's Air Quality and Health Unit works across three cross-cutting areas: knowledge, evidence, and measuring progress.

The Mongolian government has banned raw coal and subsidised refined coal briquettes

Mongolia has been facing severe air pollution, with Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, being one of the most polluted cities in the world. The air pollution in the city has worsened due to rapid urbanization, which has led to a rise in unplanned settlements, increased air, water, and soil pollution, and the burning of fossil fuels. Coal-burning stoves and power plants are significant contributors to air pollution in Ulaanbaatar, especially during the harsh winter months.

To address this issue, the Mongolian government implemented a ban on raw coal in 2019, under Resolution No. 62. The ban aimed to reduce the use of raw coal, a cheap fuel used by low-income citizens to survive the harsh winters in Ulaanbaatar, which has the highest levels of PM2.5 pollution in the world. The government also introduced "refined coal briquettes" at a subsidized price similar to that of raw coal. This measure was intended to provide a cleaner and more affordable alternative to raw coal, thereby reducing air pollution levels across the city.

The ban on raw coal and the subsidization of refined coal briquettes are part of Mongolia's broader efforts to improve air quality and protect public health. The government has established specialized branches, such as the National Committee on Air Pollution Reduction and the Ulaanbaatar City Air Quality Office, to advance its clean air agenda. Additionally, Mongolia has been a leader in reducing HFC emissions and protecting the ozone layer through the work of the National Ozone Authority (NOA) within the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.

While these measures demonstrate the Mongolian government's commitment to tackling air pollution, there are concerns about their financial sustainability and long-term effectiveness. The economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Mongolia's economy, with a 9.7% contraction in GDP during the first half of 2020. Despite the raw coal ban, Ulaanbaatar's air quality was ranked as the worst in the world again in October 2020. This highlights the need for a comprehensive and structured plan with short-, medium-, and long-term objectives to address air pollution effectively.

Furthermore, it is important to address the underlying social and economic factors contributing to air pollution. Urban poverty, overcrowding, and widening inequality have led to the establishment of ger districts around Ulaanbaatar, which account for a significant portion of the city's air pollution. Therefore, tackling air pollution in Mongolia requires a multi-sectoral approach that considers not only environmental but also social and economic factors.

The BreatheLife campaign aims to improve air quality in cities by 2030

The BreatheLife campaign is a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), and the World Bank. The campaign aims to bring together cities, regions, and countries to take collective action against air pollution and protect the health of their citizens and the planet.

The campaign has set a target of achieving safe air quality levels in cities by 2030. This involves meeting the WHO's Air Quality Guidelines, which are essential to safeguarding public health. Air pollution is a critical issue in Mongolia, especially in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, which is one of the most polluted capitals worldwide. The situation is attributed to coal-burning stoves in the "ger" districts, rapid urbanization, and vehicle traffic. The BreatheLife campaign is part of Mongolia's comprehensive strategy to tackle air pollution and improve the health of its citizens.

The Mongolian government has implemented various measures to address air pollution. They have introduced bans on burning specific materials, such as plastic, tires, and raw coal, and promoted the use of cleaner technologies. Additionally, they are working to improve indoor air quality by banning smoking indoors and enhancing ventilation in traditional dwellings. The government has also established specialized branches, such as the National Committee on Air Pollution Reduction and the Ulaanbaatar City Air Quality Office, to further advance their clean air agenda.

Moreover, Mongolia has received funding and technical support through initiatives like the CCAC's national planning initiative and the Waste and Climate Change project funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment. These initiatives aim to integrate pollution mitigation activities into existing policies and reduce short-lived climate pollutants. Mongolia has also been a leader in reducing HFC emissions and protecting the ozone layer through measures implemented by the National Ozone Authority (NOA).

By joining the BreatheLife campaign and implementing these measures, Mongolia demonstrates its commitment to improving air quality and protecting the health and well-being of its citizens. The campaign provides a platform for knowledge sharing and empowers individuals and governments to accelerate solutions to air pollution, ultimately working towards the shared goal of cleaner air by 2030.

Mongolia has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 22.7% by 2030

Mongolia has been taking several measures to combat air pollution, which has become one of the country's most challenging issues. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a set of recommendations for the Government of Mongolia to address this issue. Air pollution causes over 4000 deaths every year in the country, with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) being the most harmful to health.

To improve air quality, the Mongolian government has identified it as a key development priority and is working to reduce emissions from coal-fired heating and cooking stoves. In 2019, the government issued a ban on raw coal under Resolution No. 62 and enabled subsidies for refined coal briquettes to reduce PM2.5 levels across Ulaanbaatar. The government has also established specialized branches, such as the National Committee on Air Pollution Reduction and the Ulaanbaatar City Air Quality Office, to advance its clean air agenda.

Mongolia has also been a leader in reducing HFC emissions and protecting the ozone layer through the National Ozone Authority (NOA) in the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. The country is committed to achieving a 97.5% reduction in HCFC emissions from the baseline by 2030 through its HCFC Phaseout Management Plan (HPMP).

Furthermore, Mongolia has joined international initiatives such as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and the BreatheLife campaign to address air pollution. The country has received funding and technical support through the CCAC to integrate short-lived climate pollutant mitigation activities into its policies. XacBank, a Mongolian bank, has partnered with CCAC to provide clean heating alternatives and affordable long-term loans for energy-efficient technologies to residents.

In addition to these efforts, Mongolia has updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) in 2019, committing to a 22.7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This target is expected to result in a 12% reduction of black carbon emissions and a 23% reduction of methane emissions. The country aims to achieve this through various initiatives, including waste-to-energy programs and its National Action Programme on Climate Change, which outlines mitigation actions across multiple sectors.

Mongolia recognizes the importance of transitioning to clean energy and harnessing its rich renewable resources. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is committed to supporting Mongolia in this transition to ensure a brighter, greener future for all its citizens.

UNICEF is supporting national authorities in addressing air pollution and climate change

UNICEF is supporting innovative climate financing projects and promoting the adoption of low-carbon technologies in institutions and households. They are also encouraging the engagement of youth and children-led community actions and their meaningful participation in decision-making processes.

UNICEF's support is in line with Mongolia's long-term Sustainable Development Vision, which includes the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors to improve air quality. Mongolia has made significant progress in reducing HFC emissions and protecting the ozone layer through the implementation of measures by the National Ozone Authority (NOA). Additionally, the country is undergoing an HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) to achieve a substantial reduction in ozone-depleting substances by 2030.

UNICEF's efforts align with the recommendations made by the World Health Organization (WHO) to tackle air pollution in Mongolia. WHO has urged the Mongolian government to prioritize air pollution in its policies and implementation. WHO's short-term recommendations include banning the burning of plastic, tires, and other waste as fuel, as well as creating support schemes to help low-income groups access cleaner technology. WHO also recommends improving indoor air quality by banning smoking indoors and improving ventilation, especially in traditional felt dwellings called "gers".

Furthermore, UNICEF's work contributes to the National Action Programme on Climate Change, which guides Mongolia's climate change planning and outlines mitigation actions across multiple sectors. Mongolia has demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate change and air pollution by updating its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and setting ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas and black carbon emissions.

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