Nomadic herders in Mongolia are counting the cost of one of the most severe winters, in nearly half a century. Temperatures dropped to minus 50 degrees Celsius - enveloping most of the country in thick snow and ice. Pastoral communities have lost more than half of their livestock - an essential part of their livelihood.

Ulaanbaatar

Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently amid rising sea-levels and increasing temperatures.

Climate Crisis

Nomadic herders in Mongolia are grappling with the aftermath of an exceptionally harsh winter, described as the most severe the country has faced in almost fifty years. Temperature plummets to minus 50 degrees Celsius covered most of the nation under a thick layer of snow and ice. This drastic weather event has had a profound impact on the pastoral communities, which have lost more than half of their livestock. Livestock is a crucial component of their way of life, serving not only as a source of income but also as a basis for their social and cultural identity.



Mongolia winter: Herders lose millions of livestock animals

Tarkan Batarabatsuk has lived as a nomadic herder for his entire life, but this past winter has been one of the harshest he's ever experienced. On November the 4th, a storm began, and snow started falling from day until nightfall. This continued non-stop for two days. The snowfall was immense, up to one meter high. This was the beginning of what Mongolians call the dhud, a disastrous cold spell which coated most of the country in thick layers of snow and ice. In rural areas, temperatures plunged to as low as minus 50 degrees. An estimated five million grazing animals died from the extreme cold and being unable to feed. Tens of thousands of families have been affected. Some have lost 70% of their livestock. Snow-covered roads have also prevented many from accessing food and medical facilities. The Mongolian Red Cross says climate change has led to winter conditions lasting as long as six months, making things very difficult for a quarter of its 3.3 million population who make a living as herders selling meat and cashmere wool. The organization has been visiting families in need and is pleading for international support. Tarkan Batar lost 200 of his 700 animals this winter, but he considers himself lucky. He knows herders who lost many more. Still, he worries about the health of his remaining animals, fearing he may not have enough newborns this coming year. This winter was very difficult for us. People couldn't leave their homes. People dug snow with shovels and even with their bare hands. He says the worst of the extreme winter conditions are over, but he must soon make preparations to survive the next.

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Council of the City of Sydney

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Climate Crisis