In recent years, northern China, especially Beijing, has experienced severe dust storms. These storms have primarily been attributed to environmental changes in neighboring Mongolia. A significant dust storm in the spring of 2023, for instance, saw much of its dust originate from Mongolia, driven by climate changes in the region.
Impact of Mongolia’s Environmental Policies
Mongolia’s environmental degradation has increasingly become a concern for China. While some blame Mongolian herders and miners for resource exploitation, it’s essential to recognize that Chinese demand for these resources contributes significantly to Mongolia’s environmental challenges.
Mining Concerns in Southern Mongolia
In southern Mongolia, residents are worried about dust raised by mining trucks transporting coal to China on unpaved roads. This situation highlights the complex interplay between resource extraction and environmental health.
Upcoming UN Conference on Desertification
A significant UN conference focusing on desertification is set to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, in August 2026. Mongolia is particularly affected, with about 77% of its land considered degraded due to desertification. This conference offers Mongolia a platform to address critical environmental issues.
International Cooperation on Desertification
China has taken steps to combat desertification within its borders, including the initiation of the “Great Green Wall” in 1978. This ambitious project aims to control deserts in northern China through extensive tree planting.
China and Mongolia’s Joint Initiatives
- In 2023, the China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Centre was established in Ulaanbaatar.
- Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged support for Mongolia’s “billion tree movement,” aiming to plant one billion trees by 2030.
- China aims to share its expertise in desertification control techniques with Mongolia.
Challenges of Implementation
While China has succeeded in controlling desertification domestically, its model faces challenges upon implementation in Mongolia. Ecological policies in China have often targeted herders, affecting their livelihoods, which remain central to Mongolian culture and identity.
Future of Environmental Cooperation
The approach to desertification in Mongolia may differ from that in China. Mongolian grasslands remain largely unfenced, preserving nomadic traditions. As discussions continue about joint efforts to manage desertification, concerns about China’s territorial ambitions linger.
Conclusion
As the UN conference approaches during the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists, the dialogue surrounding cooperation in addressing desertification is critical. The recognition of herders’ role in promoting biodiversity could shape future environmental diplomacy between China and Mongolia.
