Ulaanbaatar, the world’s coldest capital, is battling a severe air pollution crisis as toxic coal smoke blankets the city. With temperatures plummeting to -40°C in winter, nearly half of its 1.6 million residents rely on raw coal for heating, leading to dangerously high levels of PM2.5 pollutants—sometimes exceeding 500 micrograms per cubic meter, 20 times the WHO’s safe limit. On March 11, 2025, air quality monitoring stations reported a PM2.5 Air Quality Index (AQI) of 111, categorized as “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.” The thick smog, which traps the city in a toxic haze, causes respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and premature deaths, with children and the elderly most at risk. Despite government efforts to ban raw coal and introduce refined briquettes, pollution levels remain alarmingly high, exacerbated by temperature inversions that trap smoke close to the ground.
Public outrage is growing as families struggle with the deadly consequences of air pollution, which experts link to a surge in respiratory infections and developmental issues in children. Pneumonia, the second leading cause of death for children under five in Mongolia, has seen a sharp rise, with hospitals overwhelmed by pollution-related diseases. In 2023, Ulaanbaatar saw a 60% rise in pneumonia cases among infants, further intensifying concerns. Citizens demand stronger policies, including cleaner energy alternatives and stricter emissions controls, but economic challenges and infrastructure limitations hinder progress. As Ulaanbaatar gasps for clean air, the crisis underscores the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions to prevent an environmental and public health catastrophe. More