Australia is a nation of animal lovers: 69% of us have pets, we're home to over one million unique species, and our $20.4 billion livestock industry underpins food security across the nation.

Climate change is already affecting the animals we love and need. Billions of native animals were killed during the Black Summer fires, and millions more in fires since. Hundreds of thousands of livestock have been lost in recent floods. Across Australia, our pets, iconic wildlife and equine companions experience heat stress during increasingly hot summers. We have already witnessed the Bramble Cay melomys become the first mammalian extinction linked to climate change.

That's why we exist — and why we are evolving.

After seven years as Vets for Climate Action, we are transitioning to the Australian Veterinary Environmental Alliance (AVEA): broadening our focus to encompass climate, sustainability, biodiversity and One Health, while staying true to the mission that has always driven us. As veterinary professionals and animal carers, we understand that animal health, human wellbeing and environmental health are inextricably linked. We are on the frontlines of biosecurity and food security, caring for animals across city clinics, rural practices and remote towns. We see the impacts of climate change firsthand and we are uniquely placed to act.

Through AVEA, we are also proud to support the World Veterinary Environmental Alliance (WVEA), a growing global network of veterinary organisations and industry committed to driving real, coordinated action on climate, sustainability and biodiversity across every corner of the world.

When you support AVEA, you're joining a community of vets, vet nurses, animal carers and animal lovers using their trusted voice to advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves: here in Australia, and around the world.

The good news: together, we can make a difference. We have the knowledge, the skills, the networks and the influence to drive real and lasting change for animals and the planet we share.

This year, consider making a gift that creates real change. Every contribution — $30 monthly, $100 today, or any amount — strengthens our impact. Your tax-deductible donation helps us to:

• promote sustainable veterinary care across Australia and beyond
• inspire, educate and mobilise the veterinary community
• advocate for policies that protect animals, biodiversity and environmental health
• support the growth of a global veterinary sustainability movement through WVEA

Thank you for standing with us — for the animals, and for our shared planet.