Mongolia, a country with a rich history of nomadic herding, faces significant challenges due to climate change.
Over the past 70 years, average air temperatures have risen by 2.1 degrees Celsius, making Mongolia one of the countries most affected by climate change.
This increase has led to extreme weather conditions, including harsher winters and drier summers, directly impacting the livelihood of herders.
The population, heavily reliant on natural resources, sees these changes affecting agriculture and livestock. Reduced rainfall and more frequent dust storms have decreased the number of plants by nearly 30%, exacerbating food and water shortages.
Mongolia’s proximity to China and its economic dependency on trade further intensify the impact of climatic shifts, as both nations face shared environmental challenges.
These climatic changes not only threaten traditional ways of life but also strain Mongolia’s efforts to promote sustainable development.
The education sector, for instance, has seen disruptions, showing that the impact of climate change extends beyond immediate physical effects to long-term socioeconomic consequences.
How Has Climate Change Impacted Mongolia
Mongolia has experienced significant climate changes over the past 70 years with temperatures rising by 2.1°C. This rapid warming has serious consequences for the country and its people.
Nomadic herders are among those most impacted. As temperatures rise, pasture quality declines, forcing herders to increase their livestock numbers.
This leads to overgrazing, further degrading the land.
Frequent dzud, harsh winter disasters, kill many animals. Herders face severe loss of livestock, a main source of livelihood. Animal husbandry becomes challenging, and many families struggle to sustain their way of life.
Ulaanbaatar, the capital, sees an influx of herders moving to escape rural hardship. This urban migration strains resources and exacerbates air pollution from coal burning.
Agriculture suffers as well, with frequent drought reducing crop yields. Dry conditions make growing food difficult. Desertification advances, shrinking usable farmland. The livestock sector and meat production are adversely affected.
Extreme weather events, such as intense dust storms and unpredictable summers, become more common. These storms erode soil and damage fragile ecosystems.
Reliance on wells increases due to water shortages. Many natural ecosystems face threats from these changing weather conditions. Cashmere production, an important industry, is also hit hard as goats suffer from extreme climate stress.
How Is Mongolia Going To Be Impacted by Future Climate Change
Mongolia faces significant future impacts from climate change. The temperature in Mongolia has already increased by over 2°C in the past 70 years, and is projected to rise by 2.5-5.0°C in the coming years.
Increased temperatures will likely lead to reduced rainfall in summer. A reduction in available water can severely impact agriculture and herding, vital parts of Mongolia’s economy.
The Ministry of Environment is working with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). They are taking climate action seriously by updating their nationally determined contributions (NDCs).
Moreover, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism is collaborating with organizations like the World Bank to finance projects that help Mongolia adapt to these changes. Financing for climate change adaptation is crucial for building resilience in vulnerable sectors.
Mongolia’s Vision 2050 and sustainable development goals (SDGs) stress the importance of environmental sustainability. Climate action plans are part of the Third National Communication, and various initiatives under this plan aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The UNDP is also actively involved in Mongolia, helping to implement strategies that support adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Tourism might also be affected as Mongolia’s unique landscape experiences drastic environmental changes. This sector will need to adapt to the new conditions to remain sustainable.