Harsh Mongolian Winter

When thinking about climate change, a general misconception that human influence only causes global temperatures to increase. Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and contribute to global warming. While this leads to overall warming trends, it also disrupts climate patterns, including winter weather. The increase in greenhouse gases alters atmospheric dynamics, affecting the behavior of atmospheric circulation systems like the polar vortex and jet stream. As a result, colder air masses can be displaced from the polar regions and move southward, causing colder temperatures and harsher winters in some regions. Additionally, changes in temperature and moisture levels influence precipitation patterns, leading to heavier snowfall events in certain areas.

This is exactly what is happening in Mongolia right now, a landlocked country in East Asia that is facing its harshest winter in half a century. The severe conditions, known as dzud, have resulted in the death of more than 4.7 million animals and the threatening of basic livelihoods and food supplies for thousands of people. Dzud is characterized by plunging temperatures, deep snow, and ice that blanket grazing areas and cut off access to food for livestock. This is especially detrimental to Mongolian society, as about 300,000 people in Mongolia are traditional nomadic herders and depend on their cattle, goats and horses for food and to sell at market. Additionally, since November, at least 2,250 herder families have lost more than 70% of their livestock, with more than 7,000 families now lack access to adequate food.

There are a few possible public policy approaches that could be made to this situation. Firstly, implementing climate resilience programs to help communities adapt to changing climate patterns by diversifying livelihoods and promoting sustainable practices. Secondly, enhancing early warning systems for extreme weather events to improve preparedness and response efforts. Thirdly, establishing livestock insurance programs to mitigate financial losses for herder families. Additionally, implementing rangeland management practices to promote sustainable land use and reduce vulnerability to degradation. Empowering local communities to participate in decision-making processes and fostering international cooperation to address the underlying drivers of climate change are also crucial. These measures aim to build resilience and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events on vulnerable populations.