As winter approaches, the warmth inside Mongolian gers (traditional yurts) no longer depends solely on coal combustion but rather on solar energy stored during daylight hours. This isn't science fiction but the working vision of MIT's collaborative project with the National University of Mongolia called "The Million Person Carbon Removal Project," which merges anthropology with engineering to develop sustainable heating solutions for cold climate regions.

Energy Crisis Meets Thermal Battery Innovation

Mongolia's extreme winters have historically required heavy coal consumption for heating, particularly in the capital Ulaanbaatar where air pollution ranks among the world's worst. The MIT-led initiative introduces molten salt thermal batteries that absorb solar energy by day and release heat at night—a technology uniquely suited to Mongolia's nomadic housing structures that require decentralized solutions.

The system uses phase-change materials that store six times more heat energy than water-based systems. Field tests demonstrate these units can maintain ger temperatures above 15°C (59°F) for 12 hours after sunset when outdoor temperatures drop to -25°C (-13°F).

Anthropology Informs Engineering Design

The project's breakthrough lies in its interdisciplinary approach through MIT's 21A.S01 course, where engineering students collaborate with anthropologists to understand cultural dimensions of energy use. During fieldwork in Ulaanbaatar, researchers discovered that successful implementation required:

• Modular designs compatible with ger dismantling/relocation cycles
• Interfaces respecting traditional heating customs
• Maintenance protocols matching local technical literacy levels

"Technological superiority means nothing if it conflicts with centuries-old living patterns," explains Professor Manduhai Buyandelger, the team's cultural anthropologist. This insight led to developing hybrid stoves that combine molten salt bricks with existing coal use—reducing emissions by 60% while maintaining user familiarity.

Global Implications for Climate Adaptation

The Mongolian case study joins other interdisciplinary climate initiatives gaining international attention:

Norway's Habitable Air Project achieved 30% air quality improvement in Kisumu, Kenya, through community-designed clean cookstoves and pollution monitoring. Meanwhile, African universities like Egerton University in Kenya and Cape Town University integrate climate science with indigenous agricultural knowledge in their curricula.

Quantitative assessments of the MIT-Mongolia project reveal measurable impacts:

• 2.1 tons annual CO₂ reduction per household
• 47% decrease in particulate matter exposure
• 28% lower heating costs for adopters

As the team prepares for scaled deployment in 2025, their work demonstrates how merging technical innovation with cultural intelligence can create viable climate solutions—a model increasingly critical for global sustainability efforts.