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The loss of ‘eternal ice’ threatens Mongolian reindeer herders’ way of life

Newly recorded oral histories of the Tsaatan people help researchers document climate change

Reindeer (shown here in 2017) rely on “eternal ice” patches in Mongolia to cool themselves during the summer.

Myagmar Nansalmaa

By Carolyn Gramling

- More than 2 years ago

Patches of long-frozen snowpack and ice in the Mongolian steppes are rapidly vanishing — with dire consequences for the reindeer and herders who rely on the icy spots.