2025: The road ahead for climate action and animal health
As this is our first newsletter of 2025, we wish you a Happy New Year and an auspicious start to the Year of the Snake!
I’ve recently returned from leave, rested and recharged, ready to face the opportunities and challenges this year brings.
It has been a tumultuous and tragic start to 2025. The devastating loss of human and animal life in the LA wildfires (reminiscent of our own Black Summer megafires 5 years ago), to the destabilising actions of the US government’s new administration reversing many climate policies and commitments.
In our own region we have experienced worsening floods, bushfires and cyclones impacting people and pets, livestock, and wildlife. Our thoughts go out to all affected and our deep appreciation to first responders risking their lives to protect others.
A number of coal and gas projects were approved last year, increasing carbon emissions and climate change threats. Australia too faces a period of uncertainty with our upcoming election. Disappointingly, the Federal Government confirmed it will not be updating our environmental laws. (See our submission here to understand why this update is urgently needed.)
This means that climate is (and must be) a key issue when deciding how to cast our ballot.
At Vets for Climate Action we are proudly and staunchly non-partisan. Being non-partisan doesn’t mean we ignore politics. If you haven’t yet read Dr Elise Anderson’s article We Need to Talk About Politics, I strongly urge you to do so. As she writes, “[VfCA] support[s] good climate policy - policy that will lower emissions, and benefit animals and people as they coexist together… Likewise, we will call out and push back against poor policies, both those that contribute to the problem, and those which aren’t ambitious enough.”
At VfCA we will keep on keeping on. For a healthier climate. For better animal health. Veterinary professionals have a crucial role in advocating for action. We will continue to be a voice for all animals: pushing for meaningful change at every level—from practices to parliament.
There are many ways to support our work—join us and add your voice for the animals we love and care for.
Contents:
> News
> Volunteer Opportunities
> Upcoming Events
> In case you missed it...
> From our partners
News
We are partnering with Zoetis Australia
Zoetis has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, becoming carbon neutral in its own operations and sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2030 [1]. As of 31 December 2023, 10 manufacturing sites globally, four commercial operations and two offices are now operating with 100% renewable electricity. Zoetis is managing its climate risks because it matters to the communities they serve, their colleagues, customers, the health of animals and those who care for them around the world.
Zoetis Senior Vice President & Cluster Lead for ANZ, Lance Williams says, “Zoetis is committed to supporting our customers and working with the veterinary industry to tackle global challenges. This partnership with VfCA will help support its members in their quest to reduce climate impacts.”
A National Statement of Animal Welfare
In good news, all Australian, state and territory Agriculture Ministers have endorsed Australia’s first National Statement on Animal Welfare, as it renews the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS)
This statement includes recognition of the interconnectedness of animal welfare, human wellbeing, animal and human health, the environment and climate change, biosecurity, and Australia’s socioeconomic sustainability and prosperity.
Vets for Climate Action commends the Ministers for collaborating on such an important issue and acknowledging the significant issue of climate change. We hope to see strong policies and steps to reduce the impact of climate change on animal welfare in any updated AAWS. You can read our submission towards this strategy here.
Donate through the Container Deposit Scheme (VIC)!
We are now registered with the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in Victoria.
Recycling cans and bottles can reduce landfill, energy, and prevent the contamination of our land and oceans, protecting our wildlife and environment. And by collecting containers in at home or in your workplace and donating the proceeds to Vets for Climate Action, you're helping to promote sustainable veterinary care, advocate for climate action and protect biodiversity!
It's is as easy as 1, 2, 3 to donate to us!
1. Collect your eligible drink containers (most single serve drink containers between 150ml and 3 litres are eligible)
2. Return them to a CDS Vic refund point
3. Select Donate your refund at the refund point by entering our partner ID: C2000010159 (Veterinarians for Climate Action)
Vale Simon Doherty
We are deeply saddened to hear of the recent passing of Dr Simon Doherty, former president of the British Veterinary Association and Senior Lecturer (Education) in Animal Health at Queen’s University in Belfast.
A highly respected and internationally recognised expert in his field, Simon championed the importance of integrating human, animal, and environmental health as part of veterinary work, and was recognised for his dedication to One Health as the winner of Veterinarian of the Year 2024 at the WVA Global Veterinary Awards in Cape Town last year.
Simon was also a passionate advocate of the role of vets in championing sustainability, and one of the founding directors of Vet Sustain in the UK.
VfCA directors Drs Jeannet Kessels and Helen Scott-Orr AM PSM had the pleasure of spending time with Simon at the WVA Conference, discussing the need for action on climate and sustainability in veterinary care.
Our thoughts are with Simon’s family, friends and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.
L-R Dr Simon Doherty (Vet Sustain),
Drs Jeannet Kessels & Helen Scott-Orr (VfCA)
Welcome to Dr Caitlin Wood
Dr Caitlin Wood has recently joined the team as the Program Development Manager for our newest initiative: the development of an emissions reduction program for the equine veterinary profession, and equine community.
Graduating with honours from the University of Queensland’s School of Veterinary Science in 2007, Caitlin initially practiced as an equine veterinarian in South-East Queensland and has since worked in various clinical and academic settings.
Caitlin brings a wealth of experience, with expertise in veterinary epidemiology, scientific research, teaching, and communication. Her journey has also taken her to several African countries, including Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Zambia, where she developed a deep interest in public health and emerging infectious diseases. This experience reinforced her passion for the One Health approach, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Caitlin holds a PhD from UQ, where her thesis focused on “Detection and epidemiology of Coxiella burnetii infection in beef cattle in northern Australia and the potential risk to public health.” She’s also a proud member of the ANZCVS (Veterinary Epidemiology chapter) and was awarded the Chris Baldock Award in 2019.
Volunteer Opportunities
31st VNCA Conference in Melbourne: 19 - 21 March 2025
2025 AVA Conference in Sydney: 12 - 16 May 2025
Veterinary Science Week 2025 on the Gold Coast: 24 - 26 July 2025
Upcoming Events
Online Masterclass
Join Dr Caitlin Wood for the next Vets for Climate Action Masterclass, Greener Pastures: The start of sustainable solutions for Equine Veterinary Practice.
This Masterclass will introduce the goals and objectives of a new online climate care educational program being developed by Vets for Climate Action (VfCA). The Australian Equine Veterinary sector has a significant opportunity to lead in the shift toward sustainable veterinary practices. The emerging program aims to educate and empower equine veterinarians and related professionals to adopt strategies that provide more sustainable care, reduce carbon emissions, and advocate for climate action within the broader equine community and industries.
This Masterclass offers a unique opportunity to share your insights, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback, helping to maximise the program’s impact and reach.
In case you missed it... watch our January Masterclass:
Paul Ainsworth, BSc, MBA (Exec), DipHR, Founder and Director of Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business, delivered an engaging session packed with practical tips and insights that had us all rethinking our approach to goals.
31st Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) Conference
Vets for Climate Action is proud to be exhibiting at the upcoming VNCA conference in Melbourne between 19 - 21 March!
With the theme Shaping Tomorrow Together there are SO many PAWsome highlights on the program, including our very own Terry George!
Make sure to catch Terry on Friday, 21 March at 11:30am in Euraka 3 speaking on Sustainable Solutions for a Sustainable future: vet professionals' role in animal health and climate action.
The conference promises a rich exchange of knowledge, over 55 specialised lectures, key note speakers, hands-on learning options, networking opportunities, and industry updates from their sponsors and exhibitors!
VNCA invites you to join them as they pave 
the path towards a brighter tomorrow.
Register for the 31st VNCA Conference today!
From our partners...
New Zealand Veterinary Carbon Calculator launches!
VetSalus developed a tool for international use to help veterinary businesses report climate data. The Veterinary Carbon Calculator, developed in partnership with Investors in the Environment (an environmental accreditation scheme) and Vet Sustain, was launched in New Zealand in October 2024, making it only the third country in the world having access to this veterinary specific resource.
The tool incorporates veterinary-specific key figures for electricity, consumption, travel, water and anaesthetic gases, based on typical veterinary operations. This makes it simpler and more straightforward for practice owners to manage their climate data.
The New Zealand Veterinary Carbon Calculator is available with a range of supporting materials to support businesses when calculating their footprint for the first time. We're proud to support this initiative for our New Zealand veterinary collagues.
Visit the Vet Sustain website to begin calculating your business carbon pawprint and delivering more sustainable veterinary care.
Veterinary professionals are experts advising governments, corporates, farmers and families. We understand that animal health and welfare have a critical position in our future. Climate change threatens both, as it does biodiversity, biosecurity, livelihoods, and mental health.
Vets for Climate Action represents concerned veterinarians, veterinary nurses, practices and industry partners across Australia who want immediate action on climate. We are educating our profession and the communities we serve about climate change, reducing our sector’s greenhouse gas emissions and championing sustainable veterinary care. We are advocating for meaningful and immediate climate action at all levels. There are many ways you can get involved - if you aren't already!
One of the easiest ways is to donate to support our work. Any donation, small or large, will make a difference.
We, and the animals, thank you for your ongoing support.
Warm regards
Steff Goldring
Chief Executive Officer
E: [email protected]
W: www.vfca.org.au
p.s. Caring for animals involves caring for the climate. If you support our work and want to see more of it, please consider making a tax deductible donation.