Mongolia Faces Severe Air Pollution Crisis Affecting Children's Health
Ulaanbaatar's toxic winter smog has caused a surge in respiratory illnesses, with grassroots movements and government initiatives pushing for solutions.
- Ulaanbaatar's air pollution, driven by coal burning and geographic factors, has led to PM2.5 levels 27 times higher than WHO safety standards during winter.
- Respiratory illnesses, including pneumonia, are now the second leading cause of death for children under five in Mongolia.
- Government efforts, such as switching households to gas and introducing refined coal briquettes, have shown limited success and raised new concerns like carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Grassroots movements and public petitions have emerged, calling for comprehensive, cross-sector solutions to the pollution crisis.
- Plans to reduce pollution include transitioning 20,000 households to gas, relocating ger district residents to apartments, and constructing a long-delayed metro system by 2028.
The Japan Times 