Ulaanbaatar, 10 December 2024 – Today, UNDP Mongolia launched the "If Only I Could Go Solar" crowdfunding campaign, an initiative to support Ulaanbaatar’s Ger area residents transition from coal-based heating to solar-powered solutions. The launch event brought together government leaders, private sector representatives, civil society, ger area residents, international community, and media around the ways to address Mongolia’s urgent air pollution challenge and inspire collective action for a healthier future. 

Mongolia’s heavy reliance on coal has had devastating effects on the residents of Ulaanbaatar. Hazardous air quality, both indoor and outdoor, have led to over 7,000 deaths annually and economic losses amounting to nearly 10% of the national GDP. Each winter, Ger area residents burn coal briquettes to withstand temperatures as low as -45°C, further worsening air pollution. Yet, with 250 sunny days each year, Mongolia’s solar energy potential offers a transformative path to sustainability.

The crowdfunding campaign aims to raise funds to install solar panels and electric heaters in households in the Ger area, reducing their reliance on coal while improving health and lowering energy costs. This initiative builds on UNDP’s broader efforts to implement this solution, which has already benefited 69 households in 2024 in collaboration with the Mongolian and French governments as well as the Municipality.