Unreliable/nonexistent energy supply
- Only 67% of people in Mongolia have access to grid electricity. Those who are off-grid may be powered by independent generators, but these are expensive to run and may only operate a few hours a day.
Inefficient energy production
- The capital city of Ulaanbaatar is powered by three large coal-fired power plants built by the Soviets. The technology used is outdated, the facilities are in disrepair, and as a result the efficiency suffers. Repairing these plants would be extremely costly, and the money might be better spent investing in alternative energy solutions.
Air Pollution
- The air quality around Ulaanbaatar has plummetted in recent years. This causes acid rain and respiratory illness. The pollution comes from a multitude of causes, including heavy car traffic, coal-burning power plants, and coal used for heating and cooking in homes.
Inefficient heat production
- Many homes in the poorer districts burn coal, wood, and trash in inefficient stoves for heat during the winter.
Poor insulation in buildings and gers
- Gers stay warm in the winter, but at the cost of much fuel due to poor insulation. Houses and other buildings suffer from the same shortcomings.
Water cleanliness & accessibility
- Water is becoming increasingly hard to access in Mongolia, and is not necessarily safe to drink. In addition, the plumbing in the capital city is old and made with harmful metals such as lead.
Desertification
- The Gobi desert expands northwards year after year. 70% of territory in Mongolia affected by desertification, which is caused by drought, deforestation, and over-grazing.
