UN responds to ‘death from Smog in mongolia’ petition

Organizations of all levels have been paying a great deal of attention to improving the air quality since the National Security Council flagged “disaster” sign for the air pollution level in Ulaanbaatar in January 2017.

Seeing that the air pollution is still high even two years later, an Ulaanbaatar resident, B.Bat-Erdene, lodged an online petition called “Death from Smog in Mongolia #HumanRights” to the United Nations. The petition was supported by 50,000 people within four days after being shared online, making it possible to go forward to the UN for consideration. By December 27, 58,567 people had signed the petition.

Responding to the petition on December 17, the UN expressed that it stands ready to work with all parties – from the government to businesses and citizens – on developing further solutions together toward clean, safer air for all.

The UN promised to continue to support the Mongolian government and society with technical advice on reducing exposure, strengthening health services, promoting energy efficiency and clean heating, as well as long-term plans for renewable energy.

It recommended, “Mongolia is among a growing number of countries facing this challenge. There are no quick fixes. It will take sustained, long-term public and private sector investments to resolve the causes of air pollution, as well as mitigate its impact on public health. This includes addressing the sources of air pollution and reducing emissions by providing amongst other things greater options for citizens to adopt clean energy, better insulation in homes (including gers) and reducing coalbased power. It also includes reducing exposure by improving indoor air quality, improving air quality monitoring, providing real-time advice on when to avoid being outside and – when absolutely necessary – to go out in well-fitted, filtering face masks.”

The UN underlined that the fight against air pollution is one of its highest priorities in Mongolia.