A Future Winter

In this captivating photograph, two Mongolian children stand beside an adult carrying an enormous bundle of hay. Hay is a lifeline for livestock in Mongolia, particularly during the harsh winter months from November to March, when grazing becomes nearly impossible due to weather conditions.

In 2020, the UN estimated that around 90% of Mongolian grassland is vulnerable to desertification, with nearly three-quarters of pasture land already degraded. As the number of livestock increases and mining becomes more prominent, soil degradation and desertification present real concerns for the country.

Mongolia's vast open pasturelands are crucial to the country's way of life. This image encapsulates the deep connection between the Mongolian people and their land and showcases their dedication to preserving their grazing spaces during challenging times.

This award-winning photograph is from the eighth season, “Hope”, of the Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA) Archive. The Climate Tribe has partnered with HIPA, leveraging the power of photography to inspire global awareness of sustainability and advance climate action.