Ulaanbaatar Faces Severe Winters, Nomadic Migration, Urban Strain

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the coldest capital on Earth, is experiencing harsher winters and drier summers that threaten livestock and force nomadic populations into the city, leading to rapid urban growth and severe air pollution caused by coal burning in winter. This environmental crisis exacerbates health risks for residents, particularly children, as described by local voices who emphasize that Mongolia's nomadic culture offers valuable lessons for global climate adaptation. In contrast, Reykjavík’s pedestrian street Laugavegur has become chaotic despite efforts to pedestrianize it, with hazards from delivery vehicles, cyclists, scooters, and ongoing construction disrupting the area. Meanwhile, a commentary from Wausau highlights a moral and political dispute over a homeless shelter run by a Christian organization, where city council members rejected the partnership due to the organization's religious hiring practices, risking shelter availability during winter. Additionally, a letter defending U.S. immigration enforcement and Israeli security policies argues against conflating legal actions with ethnic cleansing or terrorism, emphasizing rule of law and democratic accountability. Lastly, an outdoor adventure program shares insights from author Jon Waterman on the lessons from wild places and Indigenous communities, underscoring the connection between humans and nature.