South Korean Journalists Report on Climate Change in Mongolia
A team of South Korean journalists recently reported on climate change impacts in Mongolia, examining projects funded by Save the Children Korea. Staffs from MBC TV, one of South Korea’s leading television stations, and members of the Save the Children Korea press team worked in Mongolia from October 20-26, 2024.
During their stay, the journalists traveled to Baruun-Urt, Munkhkhaan, Sukhbaatar, and Khalzan soums in Sukhbaatar province to document the effects of climate change on nomadic herder communities and how these communities are adapting. They met with students O. Sukhbaatar and I.Narantusgal, who represent the children of herder families and live in the dormitory of Munkhkhaan Soum in Sukhbaatar province. They also visited the homes of M.Damdindorj, a herder from the Shinebulag team in Sukhbaatar Soum, and E.Khuderbaatar, a herder in Khalzan Soum, to learn firsthand about the challenges climate change poses to their livelihoods, particularly after last winter’s drought.
The team also interviewed M.Iderbat, Governor of Sukhbaatar Province, to understand better the struggles herder families face due to climate change and the drought’s economic impact.
Lee Jae Kwang, Global Strategy Director at Save the Children Korea, shared his thoughts on the experience: “We are incredibly grateful for the support provided to our MBC and Save the Children Korea teams. After visiting Sukhbaatar aimag, Sukhbaatar soum, and several other locations in eastern Mongolia, I truly grasped the profound impact climate change has on herder families and their children. Witnessing a herder family who lost nearly all their livestock—and with it, their livelihood—was heartbreaking. Yet, they are determined to recover from the dzud disaster, and it’s evident that Save the Children’s support is playing a crucial role in helping them rebuild. This trip has given me fresh insight into the climate crisis facing Mongolia. Thank you again for hosting us and supporting our mission.”
The team also visited the “My Forest Child” project in Ulaanbaatar’s Nalaikh district, funded by Save the Children Korea, and they met with members of the Eco Club. Governor Kh.Ankhbayar of Nalaikh district briefed the journalists on the rising frequency of climate-related natural disasters, including heavy rain and floods, and highlighted the need for financial resources to mitigate these damages.
Sangmin Na, Senior Manager of the Media Team at Save the Children Korea, commented: “This is Min from Save the Children Korea. While organizing this media trip, I thought I understood Mongolia well, but being here made me realize just how severe last winter’s dzud was. I felt deep sorrow for herders who lost not only livestock but, in many cases, their entire livelihood. It’s particularly tragic that children, who bear little responsibility for climate change, are among those most affected. While we can’t prevent every disaster, we can prepare for it, and that’s the mission of Save the Children. I am profoundly grateful for the warm welcome and support from Save the Children Mongolia and everyone we’ve met. Thank you.”
In 2023, Save the Children also launched the “Project to Support Families and Children Affected by Floods in Bayanzurkh District,” which was funded in part by Save the Children Korea. During this visit, the MBC TV team interviewed G. Munkhdelger, a project participant who received assistance, and spoke with Dr. P. Gomboluudev, Scientific Secretary at the Institute of Water, Climate, and Environment Research and Information, on climate adaptation and mitigation measures in Mongolia.
Jieun Lee, a journalist from MBC television, expressed gratitude for the opportunity: “First, thank you for making this experience possible. It’s not easy for us to witness Mongolia’s everyday life, and these past five days have given us a real insight that will greatly enhance our reporting. We are so pleased to be here. Thank you.”
The journalists will develop news features and programs based on the reports they gathered in Mongolia. This trip was a joint effort between Save the Children Mongolia and Save the Children Korea.
