ADB Briefs No. 13: Nationally Appropriate Mitigation Actions for Grassland and Livestock Management in Mongolia

Mongolia has made relatively minor contributions to global climate change, although its emissions per capita are relatively high and continuing to rise. In 2006, Mongolia’s total net (sources minus sinks) greenhouse gas emissions were approximately 15.6 million tons carbon dioxide equivalent. Emissions come primarily from the energy (65.4%) and agriculture (34.3%) sectors. Most agricultural emissions are from livestock. In addition, peatland conversion and degradation are also likely large emission sources. Climate change is acknowledged as a significant threat to Mongolia’s fragile environment, economic growth, and sustainable development. Given the negative impact of climate change on Mongolia, it is crucial to select mitigation actions that reduce vulnerability to climate change, support the achievement of national development goals, and are feasible given local constraints.