We interviewed Dr. D.Batsuren at the Department of Environmental and Forest Engineering at the National University of Mongolia D.Batsuren to clarify pressing environmental issues. D.Batsuren has authored approximately 40 peer-reviewed scientific articles published in high-impact journals indexed in the Web of Science platform. His research primarily focuses on ecohydrological processes, examining the interplay of natural and socio-economic factors that influence water resources.
Your research has primarily focused on water resources and climate change. Would you say that environmental research is predominantly centered around water resources, or does it cover a broader range of factors?
Environmental research encompasses a broad spectrum of topics, and in the case of Mongolia, its unique geographical position presents particular challenges. The country is surrounded by high mountain ranges, located far from oceans and seas, making it especially sensitive to environmental changes. Even small shifts in one of the many parameters that influence the environment can lead to significant and often severe consequences. For instance, while the global average temperature has increased by approximately 0.84 to one degree Celsius since the 1880s, Mongolia has experienced a much sharper rise of 2.26 degrees. This accelerated warming has led to increased evaporation and a decline in soil moisture. A single change in one environmental parameter can trigger a cascade of problems, such as desertification, drought and the occurrence of dzud (harsh winter conditions that result in mass livestock deaths).
These environmental changes are not just altering the physical landscape but are also impacting the economy, which has historically adapted to these environmental conditions. This, in turn, has significant social and political ramifications. As the environment shifts, so too must the structures that support economic and social systems, potentially leading to instability and new challenges. Given Mongolia’s sensitivity to these changes, it is crucial to study natural phenomena and processes from multiple perspectives.
You have conducted research on the impact of climate change on water resources. Could you share the key findings of your study?
To understand the current water challenges, it is essential to first consider the natural factors that influence water resources. One of the most widely accepted observations among researchers is the ongoing process of climate change, a phenomenon occurring both due to natural factors and human intervention. Climate change has brought about a rise in global temperatures, increased evaporation, and shifting patterns of precipitation, all of which significantly affect water availability and distribution. While the total volume of precipitation has not changed dramatically, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as sudden heavy rains, have increased. These erratic patterns disrupt the balance of water distribution, with increased rainfall often leading to more severe flooding and soil erosion, while prolonged dry periods exacerbate water scarcity. One key consequence is the reduction in soil moisture, which diminishes the ability of the soil to absorb and retain water effectively.
In some regions, the effects of climate change are especially pronounced: air temperatures have risen sharply, and precipitation levels have decreased, which in turn has led to a reduction in river flows. The decrease in river flow also impacts the water levels of lakes into which these rivers drain. As lake levels drop, their shores become increasingly swampy, and eventually, what was once a lakebed may turn into a dry, barren landscape. This is why many lakes are reported to have dried up, particularly during surface water inventories conducted every four years.
Another significant issue is groundwater, which accumulates over a long period of time and serves as a critical source of water in regions with limited surface water. However, groundwater extraction, especially for mining activities, is occurring at a much faster rate than its natural replenishment. This unsustainable use of groundwater poses a serious risk to water availability in the future. Given these challenges, it is crucial that we adopt responsible water management practices. Proper use of both surface and groundwater resources is essential, and this includes implementing technologies for wastewater treatment and reuse. Although the recovery of water resources takes time, we must prioritize sustainability by ensuring that water consumption is balanced with the capacity for natural replenishment.
How are these environmental changes, particularly those related to climate change and water resources, impacting the daily lives of citizens?
A single research paper typically focuses on three to four factors, examining how parameter changes within those factors can impact other aspects of the environment. This is because environmental research is inherently broad and interdisciplinary, covering a wide range of variables and phenomena. Given the complexity of the subject, it is practically impossible for any single researcher to explore every aspect of the issue in-depth. As a result, most researchers concentrate on specific, smaller-scale relationships to provide detailed insights that can be published in high-ranking journals, such as those indexed in the Web of Science. However, conducting comprehensive, multi-faceted studies that explore broader environmental issues requires substantial resources, such as time, funding and human expertise. In Mongolia, the number of such large-scale research efforts remains relatively low. For example, at the National University of Mongolia, faculty members publish about 150 articles annually in Web of Science journals. A closer look at these publications reveals that only 30 to 40 researchers are consistently serving as first authors, suggesting that the pool of active researchers is limited. Despite being regarded as the best academic institution in the country, the scientific sector in Mongolia faces systemic challenges, including limited funding and a lack of strong policies to support expansive research.
Publishing research in high-quality journals is a critical first step in disseminating scientific findings. However, to make a true impact, it is essential that research outputs go beyond publication. Securing copyright and standing out in the field are necessary but not sufficient. The most important step is to translate research findings into practical applications - what is often referred to as “introducing research into production”. This is the only way to ensure that research leads to tangible outcomes that can address real-world problems and contribute to sustainable development. Therefore, for Mongolia’s scientific community to have a lasting and meaningful impact, it is crucial that research not only continues to be published but also be actively integrated into policies, practices, and industries that can implement and benefit from these findings.
It appears that the natural zones and regions of our country are also undergoing significant changes as a result of climate change, correct? Could you elaborate on how these shifts are manifesting in different parts of the country?
Mongolia is home to five distinct natural zones: the desert, Gobi, steppe, forest-steppe and taiga. These zones are being significantly impacted by ecohydrological processes and the ongoing effects of climate change. In the northern regions of the country, the southern edge of the Siberian taiga is advancing, encroaching on areas traditionally dominated by steppe and forest-steppe ecosystems. At the same time, in the southern parts, the northern boundary of the Central Asian desert, notably the Gobi, is expanding, pushing into areas that were once more temperate. This shift is driven by the combined effects of rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and increasing evaporation rates.
You have studied the impact of urbanization on the environment. It is widely acknowledged that Ulaanbaatar faces significant pollution in its air, soil and water. What do you think are the key challenges in addressing this pollution, and what strategies would you recommend to tackle these environmental issues?
A city is a complex ecosystem where large numbers of people live in close proximity, and their activities and lifestyles must coexist in a balanced and harmonious way. Ulaanbaatar currently has a population of approximately 1.5 million people. In such a densely populated urban environment, environmental pollution is inextricably linked to the health and well-being of its residents. Pollution in one component of the environment, whether soil, air, or water, can have far-reaching effects on other aspects of the ecosystem. For example, when soil becomes polluted, the plants that grow in it, the herbivores that feed on these plants, and the carnivores that rely on the herbivores all become at risk. Ultimately, the health of the people who consume these resources is also endangered.
A critical challenge in urban environments like Ulaanbaatar is the attitude of some individuals who act in ways that prioritize their own convenience without considering the broader impact on others. For instance, improper disposal of garbage in public spaces not only pollutes the environment but also negatively affects the health and quality of life of others. In contrast, some countries, such as Japan, have developed strong civic responsibility around waste management, with citizens conscientiously disposing of their garbage in designated places. This is not just a matter of regulation, but also an ethical issue.
The management of pollution is further complicated by inadequate infrastructure in Ulaanbaatar. For example, the city’s waste collection systems are often not sufficient to manage the volume of waste generated, particularly in the ger areas, where many people live in informal housing. If improvements in housing and urban infrastructure were made, it would at least be possible to collect waste in designated locations, reducing the spread of pollution and helping to alleviate air quality issues.
Another unique characteristic of Ulaanbaatar’s geography is its positioning within a mountainous basin, surrounded by the Chingeltei, Songinokhairkhan, Bayanzurkh and Bogd Khaan mountains. The Tuul River flows through the city from east to west, and winds generally blow from the northwest to the southeast. Due to this topography, pollution tends to accumulate in certain areas. Garbage collection points are set up around the city, but the large number of households in the ger districts, combined with the uneven and sloping terrain, means that pollution often settles in the lowest points. The natural flow of air and water does not always align, and as a result, pollutants can accumulate in the city’s valleys or other low-lying areas. The interconnectedness of the soil, water and atmosphere in Ulaanbaatar highlights how environmental pollution in one area can quickly impact other components of the ecosystem. Pollution in the soil, for instance, can seep into the water table and eventually affect the air quality, creating a vicious cycle of environmental degradation. As soil, water, and air are closely linked, any form of pollution in one component can have ripple effects on the others, exacerbating the overall environmental crisis.
Does improving infrastructure necessarily equate to progress? How do you view the relationship between infrastructure development and broader societal and environmental advancements?
To address Ulaanbaatar’s environmental issues, infrastructure development must be prioritized, especially in transportation. Currently, the city’s roads are congested, which increases air pollution. One effective solution is to build multi-level intersections, which would ease traffic flow and reduce vehicle emissions. Nobel laureate Terry Callahan, during his visit to Mongolia, shared insights from London, where infrastructure improvements, such as taxes on driving in certain areas and investments in public transportation. The city’s budget should focus on essential infrastructure projects like power plants, waste management systems, and public transport, rather than spending on less critical areas such as cultural events. Cities around the world with well-developed infrastructure manage to accommodate large populations without significant pollution or congestion. Ulaanbaatar can achieve similar results by investing in sustainable urban solutions. The need for these improvements is urgent, and addressing them within the next 20 years is essential for the city’s future. We must focus on building the necessary infrastructure before discussing more drastic measures, like relocating the capital.
