Fueled by the dramatic landscape before me, I have found my second wind in Mongolia. It’s a breathtaking place: nomadic Gers (Yurts) dot the windswept open fields; horses run free along the roadside; jagged, sandy peaks rise in the distance; and to the East, the vast Gobi stretches as far as the eye can see. Notably absent – water.

Water is seasonal in Mongolia. In late July, it’s hot and dry. Bridges stretch over dry streams and dried, sections of cracked mud demark where a pond stood just months ago. Mongolia’s nomadic people – which make up an estimated 50% of the total population - are well adapted to these harsh natural conditions, moving every 6 months in search of water and a place to graze their animals. However, adaptation may prove increasingly difficult thanks to climate change.

Since 1940, the average temperature climbed almost 3.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The change in temperature has resulted in more extreme weather occurrence – more drought, more floods and more sand storms. In the mountainous areas, the glaciers are receding and the permafrost is melting. The groundwater table is decreasing in arid regions, and desertification and land degradation are intensifying as a result of water shortages and lack of precipitation.

Climate change presents a major obstacle in the race to address Mongolia’s drinking water challenge. Currently, an estimated 40% of Mongolia’s 2.6 million people lack access to safe drinking water, contributing to a high incidence of diarrheal disease (closely linked to child malnutrition and mortality). As wells dry out and deteriorate, prospects for health and wellbeing slowly evaporate.

Additionally, water shortages resulting from climate change may have serious consequences on the country’s financial wellbeing. In strict economic terms, Mongolia is a very poor country. 1 in 3 people live below the poverty-line and almost 1 in 5 live on less than $1 per day. Most Mongolians earn their keep by raising livestock (cattle, sheep and goats). Livestock and livestock processed exports account for 1/3 of all foreign-exchange earnings. Yet, animals require a lot of water and water-fed pasture. Due to desertification and water shortages, animal husbandry (be it for self-sufficiency or income generation) may no longer be viable.

When it comes to climate change, Mongolian get a pretty sour deal. They are not the cause of this disaster, we are. And they know it. My guide and translator, Baht, tells me that Mongolians are well aware of what is happening, who is responsible, and who is and is not taking measures to reduce their carbon footprint. Many are rightfully angry. If we (the Industrialized world) are responsible for climate change (and we are), shouldn’t we therefore be held responsible for helping countries like Mongolia adapt to the crisis and mitigate its impact? Yes.

>From the Mongolia – China Border – happy trails.