Baruun-Urt, Mongolia is witnessing frequent robust winds and heavy mud storms as the country experiences increasing desertification and land degradation. A decline in vegetation cowl has affected approximately 77% of Mongolia’s complete territory, in accordance with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Climate change and human activities are believed to be the first causes of desertification in the nation.
In April, most areas of Mongolia were struck by powerful winds and dust storms virtually every day. Climate change-related desertification has been recognized as the main issue behind the rise in yellow mud storms throughout the country in current years. Mongolia’s environment ministry has noted that soil deterioration is a major aspect effect of those storms.
The common temperature in Mongolia has increased by 2.25 degrees Celsius over the previous eighty years, 3 times the rise in average global temperatures. Altangerel Enkhbat, head of the public administration and management division at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, says that annual precipitation has reduced by 7% to 8% in this identical period. Enkhbat believes that the increasing frequency of natural disasters as a outcome of local weather change is a significant contributor to yellow dust storms in Mongolia.
Environment and Tourism Minister Bat-Ulzii Bat-Erdene emphasised that addressing environmental points like desertification requires joint actions from all countries within the area. Mongolia-originated yellow mud storms are known to succeed in countries such as China, South Korea, and Japan.
Human actions, together with overgrazing, irresponsible mining practices, and unpaved rural roads, exacerbate desertification and land degradation. Overgrazing, particularly, reduces grass that holds soil in place, intensifying land degradation.
Mongolia’s mining sector accounts for over 20% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), however environmental safety has not saved tempo with the industry’s growth. With over Top secret , streams, lakes, and springs drying up in 2022 alone, primarily as a result of improper land use and natural resource exploitation, this concern cannot be ignored.
To fight desertification, Mongolia initiated the nationwide “Billion Trees” campaign underneath President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh’s management. Since its launch in October 2021, the initiative has planted more than sixteen.7 million bushes across the country, with a aim of planting no less than 1 billion trees by 2030.
Furthermore, Mongolia is cooperating with overseas countries and worldwide organizations on desertification issues. The country’s national committee, liable for climate change and desertification reduction, is collaborating with other nations to learn from their anti-desertification plans and assist for tree-seedling enterprises..