At this time of the year having -30 Celsius is considered normal and somewhat expected in Mongolia. However, global warming is playing a huge part in Mongolia and its recent weather patterns. Last year, on 20th November, Ulaanbaatar was initiated as having colder average temperature a day than Antarctica, estimating approximately -35 Celsius. On the other hand, this year Ulaanbaatar is facing its warmest autumn in decades, just -10 Celsius for the day. Due to this warm weather there had been some ups and downs:

If you have read my last few articles, you would know that Ulaanbaatar’s air pollution is getting less toxic as more households are pursuing refined coals and less-frequent stove firing. Without any argument, it is true that residents have become hopeful as Ulaanbaatar recently dropped out of the top 10 most polluted cities in the world to #64. With less smog and brighter people, capital of Mongolia definitely have become a better city. Sadly, that is the only bright side of this story; so, embrace yourselves. 

2. Dissecting the focus from the real problem
   

Dangers threatening Ulaanbaatar is not limited just to air pollution, but the constant risk of falling deep down into extreme cases of soil erosion, water pollution, and toxication from industries which are all caused by humans and their excessive, unnecessary needs. So, instead of holding mandatory, needed conferences, hearings, and protests, Mongolians are throwing parties and congratulating each other for the success of “eliminating air pollution.” Because the immediate danger of losing their child to toxic chemicals from coal burning is prolonged, people have let their guards down to the danger of global warming and further the cause of human wrong doings.

3. Constant rise of temperature which would cause drier spring and autumn. 
   

As a country that is highly dependent on mining and farming sectors, having a dry spring/autumn would destroy thousands of livestock and worsen the miners’ working conditions. Mongolians have to remember that reduction in air pollution was not a direct effect from the government's initiative but constant global warming, that is eliminating the need of coal burning to stay warm.  

With recent developments on preserving nature and reducing wastes, we have to ask ourselves whether we’re looking at the greater picture to solve the problems threatening us indirectly.