A peaceful protest addressing Ulaanbaatar’s ongoing air pollution took place from December 5-7, 2024. On the evening of December 7, the protest organizer Ch. Ganjavkhlan shared a Facebook Live update titled “The Fight Against Air Pollution Will Continue,” where they announced a shift in strategy. The protest would not continue in its current form the following day but would evolve into a new initiative.
The primary goal of the protest was to gather 100,000 signatures in support of a parliamentary oversight hearing on air quality. Organizers are taking a bold and symbolic step by proposing that the hearing be held not in the State Palace but on a mountain, providing a striking visual demonstration of the severity of Ulaanbaatar’s smog problem.
Key Objectives of the Protest
Ch. Ganjavkhlan, a leading organizer, outlined two main goals of the protest:
- Oversight and Accountability:
Protesters are calling for an open parliamentary hearing to review air pollution mitigation strategies, investigate budget allocations, and hold officials accountable for failed or ineffective measures. As of now, 60,000 signatures have been collected towards the 100,000 required to compel the hearing. - Immediate Urban Relief Measures:
In addition to pushing for transparency, demonstrators are demanding urgent actions to alleviate immediate issues caused by smog, including:- Addressing the overcrowding in Ulaanbaatar’s hospitals, which are struggling to handle health problems exacerbated by air pollution.
- Establishing ventilation zones in urban areas to provide residents with clean air during peak pollution periods.
Ganjavkhlan explained that holding the hearing on a mountain would powerfully underscore the gravity of the crisis. “When you stand on a mountain, you can’t even see Ulaanbaatar due to the smog,” he remarked. He emphasized the peaceful and non-political nature of the protest, despite minor attempts by some individuals to disrupt the demonstration.
Digital Efforts to Amplify the Cause
The movement has gained traction online as well. Activist B. Mungunkhisheg has launched a petition on the public petition platform under the campaign, “Let’s Hold an Air Pollution Hearing! Let’s Monitor, Evaluate, and Improve Budget Spending.” The petition aims to gather 70,000 digital signatures by December 27, 2024. Combined with paper submissions, this is expected to surpass the 100,000 threshold necessary to demand parliamentary action.
A Crisis Worsening Each Winter
Air pollution in Ulaanbaatar has long been a critical public health issue, particularly during winter when coal-based heating intensifies the smog. Despite millions in budget allocations and numerous programs to address the crisis, residents continue to suffer from hazardous air quality. Protesters are demanding clarity on how funds have been spent and why meaningful progress remains elusive.
A Symbolic Call for Change
The proposal to hold the hearing on a mountain serves as a poignant reminder of the city’s environmental degradation. With growing public support, this movement may mark a turning point in how Mongolia confronts its air pollution crisis and ensures government accountability. The next steps will reveal whether policymakers are willing to listen and take decisive action to protect Ulaanbaatar’s residents.
