UlaanBaatar Pollution Proposal
This was a practicum style course under Instructor Javed Mir, as visiting faculty and former ADB Consultant. We used standard ADB report style to create a proposal for the government of Bangladesh on how to tackle persisting pollution issues.
Background of Project
Target Audience
Deliverable / Objective
Our team explored how UlaanBaatar has had a persisting pollution issue caused by complex variables. We wanted to come up with some options on how the government can facilitate actionable strategies on combating pollution.
This class was administered by the CALS department but led by a visiting faculty who is a former ADB consultant. Our report was written to be understandable for a layman, but with the goal to ask for funding within ADB. Throughout the project we also presented our findings and our approach to a number of ADB consultants
Our deliverable consists of two main documents, including a Concept Paper and an Inception Report.
Approach
Problem Tree
Narrow to 3 Focuses:
Taking severe pollution as the main issue, we used a Problem Tree exercise to understand root causes. We also expanded on the main issue to understand what the resulting impacts were.
By creating a structured exercise that dove into the very root cause of the problem, we were able to pinpoint on root causes that can be treated and root causes that may be too intangible to act on.
1. Alternative Energy Source
One of the biggest cause of high pollution is the use of coal bricks. Looking for an alternative source of energy seems to be an obvious solution. However, it has to fulfill a few requirements (e.g.: affordability, accessibility)
2. Need for Planned Urban Design
One of the contributing elements that perpetuate suboptimal condition for organized energy and hygiene is the way the Ger community lives. The nature of nomad itself clashes with organized urban planning. Therefore, we decided this would be a place to explore to see if there is a win-win solution.
3. Policy Changes
Based on our initial analysis, there are certain policies that may need review and revision to ensure that the policies put in place facilitate infrastructure development that will help solve the issue at hand
Method
Step 1: Initial Readings & Research
Step 2: Problem Tree
Step 3: Narrowing Down Solution Focus
Step 4: Research, Informational Interviews -> Produce Concept Paper
Step 5: Present Concept Paper
Step 6: Inception Report
Resulting Solutions
1
Alternative Solution
As an alternative energy source, our team suggests the use of Geothermal Heat Pump (GHP). 1 GHP that costs around $10,000 can power 1 medium household in the US. That is equal to around 8 yurts. To use this option, R&D will be required on how to then delivery electricity through 'charging stations' to ensure a consistent supply of energy while allowing some level of flexibility to the way the Ger community live.
2
Lot allocation with community capacity building
This solution aims to serve two concerns at the same time. The first, is to create lot allocation system that allows the government to provide services to the Ger community and improve access to water and energy, therefore decreasing pollution.
The second is to keep the allocation loose enough (8 yurts can organize themselve within 1 lot) to keep the spirit of Ger, and allowing for the community to self-manage.
3
Improved Policy and Infrastructure Development
Our team discovered and understood that certain regulations still need complementing details for any long-term solution to be executed in an impactful way. For example, the environmental law may regulate penalty for water or air pollution. However, how the measurement is conducted, when this is conducted, are not yet written in.
Additionally, the government can do more to raise awareness, as well as implement monitoring and evaluation framework to enrich detailed knowledge for both the government and parties that can help solve these environmental issues