Annually, air pollution causes 130 premature death in children in Ulaanbaatar and impedes working memory growth during commute to & from school. No air pollution data exist in rural areas. Despite these, actionable measures at local level are not taken. Creating visually compelling, mapping data on air pollution exposure will enable youth to engage parents & schools to mitigate the risks, using low cost solutions, for children at home & school. The project supports youth contribution to SDGs.
Rapid, unplanned urbanization resulting in air pollution, making it the most pressing challenge in Mongolia, directly affecting more than half the country's population. High levels of PM2.5/10, SO2, NO2 emissions, are the major contributors to indoor & outdoor air pollution, reaching critical levels (WHO ranks UB among the 10 most polluted cities in the world), impacting public health, and violating basic human rights. The project will benefit school students most affected by air pollution.
An action is needed personalize air pollution exposure using children's' own narratives & demonstrate solutions to mobilize community-based action against air pollution. Using participatory air pollution mapping data collection with children will provide youth to advocate for action to reduce exposure. The project will demonstrate low-cost, local solutions to reduce indoor air pollution exposure (accounting for up to 70% of exposure) at home & school where children spend majority of the winter.
Results of this project will be integrated with GCMC's other community mapping initiatives that target pressing environmental challenges not only in Ulaanbaatar but also in other regions of the country. Mongolia's Sustainable Development Vision for 2030 stipulates the nation's goal to improve its environmental performance index substantially & ensuring community participation in the process. Promoting youth engagement in achieving SDGs helps cultivating the capacity of the next generation.
