“We’re keen to use this opportunity to stimulate debate within the profession” – Dr Justine Shotton, BVA President.
The BVA has set out its 2021 wish list for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, highlighting a need for a true One Health approach to mitigate the effects of global warming.
In a statement, BVA president Justine Shotton also calls for a commitment to animal health and welfare as a key sustainability objective and an understanding and promotion of the role of sustainable resource management to conserve nature.
“Climate change is a global emergency, and the veterinary profession is uniquely placed to advocate for animal health and welfare and public health in international efforts to halt climate change and mitigate its effects,” the statement reads.
“As world leaders gather in Glasgow, it provides a perfect opportunity for us as individuals, organisations, and businesses to think about our own actions, and BVA is keen to stimulate debate and ideas within the veterinary profession on what we can all do to reach net-zero.”
The BVA’s wish list for COP26 is:
- Recognition that to tackle climate change we need a true One Health approach that understands the interconnected needs of the environment, humans and animals
- A commitment to animal health and welfare as a key sustainability objective
- Understanding and promotion of the role of sustainable resource management to protect and conserve species, habitats and biodiversity
- Ambitious but realistic targets that encourage both innovation and pragmatism in order to be genuinely achievable
- International commitments that are genuinely fair and inclusive and that close equality gaps, in line with our own commitments to equality and inclusivity.
“We’re keen to use this opportunity to stimulate debate within the profession and encourage veterinary professionals to reflect on what changes could also be made in their own practices and workplaces,” said Dr Shotton.
“As the veterinary profession gathers for London Vet Show in November, we’ll be hosting a panel debate on the veterinary profession’s role in the ‘Race to Zero’, and asking delegates to make their own #GreenTeamVet pledge building on the Greener Veterinary Practice Checklist.
"We’re also delighted to welcome leading UK climate scientist Dr Tamsin Edwards in our keynote Wooldridge lecture," she said.
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
