July Update
From court victories to local actions, we share our July update
As veterinary professionals, we understand that animal, human and environmental health are interconnected and we must take action to prevent climate change.
Now international law does too: on Wednesday the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a watershed decision that fundamentally reshapes climate law. In a unanimous decision, the world's highest court declared that countries are legally obliged to prevent climate harm—including from fossil fuel exports.
This decision originated from 27 law students at the University of the South Pacific in Vanuatu, holding the world's largest polluters accountable. Congratulations to these amazing young people!
This landmark ruling arrives just days after our own Federal Court ruled the Australian government has no duty of care to protect Torres Strait Islanders from climate change. The contrast signals a profound shift in the global legal landscape.
For decades, Australia has argued we bear no responsibility for emissions from exported coal and gas, and repeated during the hearing. The ICJ shattered this argument, explicitly finding that "failure of a State to take appropriate action to protect the climate system ... including through fossil fuel production, fossil fuel consumption, the granting of fossil fuel exploration licences or the provision of fossil fuel subsidies - may constitute an internationally wrongful act which is attributable to that State."
Crucially, the ICJ recognised that when states breach climate obligations, courts could order them to restore damaged ecosystems, rebuild lost biodiversity, fund restoration projects, and compensate for biodiversity loss. This creates a direct legal pathway from climate litigation to ecosystem restoration—making environmental restoration not just good policy, but potentially a legal requirement for climate-failing states.
Australia now faces a choice: defend fossil fuel exports under increasing legal pressure, or lead the clean energy transition. The obligation is clear.
Contents:
> News
> Events
> Volunteer Opportunities
> In case you missed it...
> From our partners
News
Algal bloom in SA killing marine life
A devastating algae bloom in SA, caused by a marine heatwave (with sea temperatures 2.5°C warmer than usual) and flooding along the River Murray, has killed more than 12,000 marine animals and threatens the livelihoods and industries.
SA Minister for Climate, Environment and Water has noted that "these extreme marine heat waves are not just anomalies; they are the new reality.
Vets for Climate Action commends the Federal Government's $14million pledge of assistance but, as climate change makes these blooms more likely, we urge the Government to take further action.
New Aust study reveals dog deaths increase on hot public holidays
University of NSW research reveals that, sadly, dog deaths increase 10% on extreme heat days above 32°C - confirming what many of you have already observed. Public holidays show 155% higher mortality rates, with New Year's Day and Christmas Day most dangerous due to increased outdoor activities during the hot weather. As Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heat waves, putting dogs at greater future risk.
We recommend chatting with clients to keep dogs indoors during extreme heat days, especially on public holidays and weekends. Schedule walks for early morning or evening, provide constant access to water and shade, and watch for heat stroke symptoms like excessive panting or lethargy.
Events
We're at ANZCVS Vet Science Week on the Gold Coast this week!
With thanks to ANZCVS, we are at Vet Science Week on the Gold Coast this week. Come by Pod 7 to chat with Dr Caitlin Wood and learn more about our current programs, including Sustainable Equine Futures: our new equine emissions reduction program and find out how you can get involved!
ZerOctober: A Call to Action for Sustainable Veterinary Care
Last year we launched ZerOctober: a month of sustainable action so together, as a profession, we can take action towards a sustainable, thriving planet: pawfect for us and the animals we love!
This ZerOctober we want YOU to make a difference!
What is ZerOctober?
ZerOctober is a Vets for Climate Action initiative to promote more sustainable veterinary care, and celebrate the benefits of moving the veterinary profession towards Zero!
August is well established as dental care month in the veterinary profession, so let’s put the same energy into making October the month of veterinary sustainability: ZerOctober
This is an opportunity for veterinary teams and industry professionals to share ideas, celebrate success and promote the benefits of sustainability and a path to Zero in order to ensure a better future for animal healthv
ZerOctober is our opportunity to lead by example; As one of the most trusted professions in Australia, the community looks to veterinarians on issues of animal health.
What can you do?
We are inviting practices to prepare for ZerOctober and commit to at least one activity this October that will reduce your carbon footprint.
Visit our website to learn more or email [email protected] to get involved.
Join us for ZerOctober and let's leave a lasting legacy for generations to come!
Volunteer Opportunities
Vet Expo 2025 in Melbourne: 3 - 4 September 2025 at Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
Volunteers will chat with attendees about the work VfCA is doing, sign people up to our mailing list or invite others to volunteer! We will host a briefing prior to the events to get you up to speed. To register your interest, or with any questions please email Clare at [email protected]
In case you missed it...
Vets for Climate Action at the VetEd Down Under Symposium, Townsville
With climate change on the agenda, Dr Jeremy Watson, Dr Neil Walton, and Dr Rebekah Brown represented Vets for Climate Action in Townsville at the VetEd Down Under Symposium!
Jeremy spoke on Net zero in practice: Implementing a strategy to deliver success, followed by Dr Neil Walton presenting Veterinary Anaesthesia: A practical pathway to a more sustainable future and Dr Rebekah Brown on The changing climate in veterinary education!
All presentations were well attended and we give thanks to Jeremy, Neil and Rebekah for their wonderful presentations and time.
Vets for Climate Action at the 45th annual Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures, Sunshine Coast
With thanks to the AVA, Drs Caitlin Wood and Catherine Chicken represented Vets for Climate Action at the 45th annual Bain Fallon Memorial Lectures on the Sunshine Coast.
Caitlin and Catherine took this opportunity to speak with people about Sustainable Equine Futures: our new equine emissions reduction program and how they can get involved!
This was also a fantastic opportunity to catch up with our partners BOVA Australia. Through our partnership with Bova AUS, we can continue to educate the veterinary profession on the impacts of climate change, promote more sustainable practices in veterinary care, and advocate for strong leadership and decisive climate action within and beyond the industry!
Catch up on our July Masterclass
"The Pressure to Be Perfect: Understanding and Overcoming Perfectionism in Practice" with Dr Gary Turnbull, Veterinarian, international speaker and a Director of the Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business.
In this webinar Dr Gary Turnbull of the Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business explored the various types of perfectionism and the challenges they pose within the veterinary setting. He also presented on strategies for managing perfectionistic tendencies in oneself, and others!
We launched our first stand-alone module in our Climate Care Program: it’s a game-changer for sustainability in veterinary practice!
This brand-new module, Veterinary Carbon & Cost Savings, tackles a crucial truth: the biggest source of waste in vet clinics isn’t what goes in the bin, it’s carbon emissions!
We break down how all forms of waste can be converted into a carbon value and how to address your clinic’s energy use is the single most powerful step you can take on behalf of our animals.
Through this module, you’ll explore the practical benefits of switching to renewable energy, the different types available, and how reducing reliance on fossil fuels can not only help combat climate change but also improve your practice’s bottom line.
💡 You’ll learn how to:
✔️ Save money on energy costs
✔️ Improve energy reliability
✔️ Understand and measure your carbon footprint
✔️ Create a clear, achievable path towards Net Zero and enjoy the benefits!
This is the easiest, most impactful step your practice can take to begin its sustainability journey. Let’s lead the way to a healthier future, for your planet, your patients, and your profession!
From our partners...
Find a workplace that reflects your values
Looking for your next veterinary role?
VetMe’s job search doesn’t just connect you with vacancies, it helps you find workplaces that align with your values.
With a Workplace Benefits search feature including environmental friendly policies, diversity and flexible work options, VetMe makes it easier to choose a job where you can truly thrive.
Why does this matter? According to recent research published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2025), veterinary professionals are increasingly prioritising alignment of personal and workplace values, especially around sustainability, ethical practice, and staff wellbeing.
The study found that when clinic values matched those of the individual, it positively influenced job satisfaction, retention, and even mental health.
So if you’re passionate about animal care and climate action, don’t settle for less, use VetMe to find a clinic that shares your commitment.
Farmers for Climate Action want to hear from YOU!
Reducing emissions on-farm looks different for every farm, so Farmers for Climate Action want to hear from you - what works, what doesn't, and what more support do you need?
Want to lower your on-farm emissions, but don't know where to start?
Is your investment into climate adaptation already paying off?
Is making change still too risky or expensive?
Are you using technology or software that is making your life easier?
Let them know by taking the Farmer Insights Survey today!
As veterinary professionals, we're uniquely positioned to witness climate change's impact on animal health firsthand.
From marine life devastation in SA to increased dog mortality on extreme heat days, the evidence is undeniable. But with landmark legal victories like the ICJ ruling, we have renewed hope and clearer pathways forward.
Together, we can protect the animals we love while building a sustainable future for our profession and planet.
Warm regards,
Steff Goldring
Chief Executive Officer
E: [email protected]
W: www.vfca.org.au
p.s. Remember: every small action counts. Whether it's joining ZerOctober, switching your clinic to renewable energy, or simply educating clients about heat safety for pets—you're making a difference.
