New project to cut air pollution seeks an alternative to coal

It is estimated that one thousand tons of raw coal is used in the ger area, which makes up 80 percent of the capital's annual air pollution. But the Mongolian Green Part has announced the start of a new project to decrease Mongolian air pollution by five times in just three years.

They say that in order to reduce one of Mongolia's major environmental challenges, hydrogen will be used. The project proposes that residents of the ger district use steam boilers for heating instead of burning raw coal. The organization says it will be beneficial for the Mongolian economy and reduce air pollution.

Also they noted that this method has already taken hold and been approved in other developing countries, and the total expenditure of the project will cost up to 940 thousand U.S. dollars.

Mongolian air quality was recorded at having a 5-18 percent decrease as reported by the Capital Air Quality Department. But the World Health Organization says that poor air quality in the country is 35 times higher than its basic standards.