Veterinary Perspective on Climate Action and Policy: September Update
Climate and sustainability have been recurring news features this month, from the Government's announcements regarding our international commitments to the release of helpful reports confirming that veterinary professionals genuinely want to know their clinic is practicing sustainable medicine.
The recently released National Climate Risk Assessment reveals the urgent challenges ahead: even at 1.5°C warming, heat-related mortality will surge by over 400% in our major cities, while animals face escalating heat stress, dehydration, and extreme weather injuries. These risks will be "cascading, compounding and concurrent," affecting every species we care for. Yet there's hope—veterinary professionals are uniquely positioned to lead meaningful change. With 76% of clinic staff prioritising sustainability and innovative tools like the Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist now available, we have both the motivation and the means to act.
We outline these articles below and recent events below. Plus: keep an eye on your inboxes tomorrow as we share how you can transform concern into action for a healthier future throughout ZerOctober: the month of veterinary sustainability!
Contents:
> News
> Events
> Volunteer Opportunities
> In case you missed it...
> From our partners
News
Australia's Climate Future: A Veterinary Perspective on Climate Action and Policy
The Australian Government has recently released two very important assessments relating to climate change in Australia:
- Australia's National Climate Risk Assessment Report 2025 (NCRA) provides the most comprehensive scientific analysis to date of climate risks facing our nation¹, while
- Australia's updated climate commitments under the Paris Agreement—known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—outline our pathway forward.
As veterinary professionals, we are uniquely positioned to witness and respond to these changes—from heat-stressed livestock to ecosystem disruption affecting wildlife.
We have prepared a briefing note providing deeper background to these reports, including the Critical Impacts for Animal Health, Policy Priorities and Veterinary Leadership and How We Can Act.
The Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist
Congratulations to Dr Lizzie Barker, the Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and Vet Sustain (UK) and their partners for the recent launch of the Veterinary Green Theatre Checklist.
This Checklist provides the first evidence-based framework designed to support environmentally sustainable practices in veterinary operating theatres, adapting and expanding upon the Intercollegiate Green Theatre Checklist developed in human medicine.
Healthcare provision is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, and operating theatres are among the most resource-intensive environments. The checklist is organised into four action-focused areas:
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Preparing for surgery: reducing unnecessary interventions, rationalising single-use items, and sourcing renewable energy.
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Using pharmaceuticals: decommissioning high-impact anaesthetic gases like nitrous oxide and desflurane, rational prescribing, and choosing lower-carbon drug options.
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During surgery: adopting reusable equipment, minimising CO₂ insufflation, and prioritising low-carbon alternatives.
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After surgery: repairing and maintaining equipment, improving sterilisation efficiency, and reducing waste streams
Veterinary professionals are encouraged to contribute feedback and collaborate on future updates via the Association's website.
Healthy Planet, Healthy Pets: Toward Sustainability in the Veterinary Profession
The statistics speak for themselves:
- 76% of veterinary clinic staff in the U.S. feel it is very important to know their clinic strives to be as environmentally sustainable as possible (2022 Journal of Veterinary Medical Education study)
- 89% of veterinarians in the U.K. desire to play a more active role in sustainability (2019 British Veterinary Association survey)
- 65% of pet owners want to be informed about the efforts their veterinary clinic makes to reduce environmental impacts (Frontiers in Veterinary Science study)
- Over 50% of pet owners would pay more for veterinary services at a clinic with reduced environmental impact
This timely publication focuses on environmental sustainability efforts among leaders in veterinary medicine. In outlining best practices related to waste reduction, pharmaceutical stewardship, energy and water usage, and stakeholder engagement, the whitepaper seeks to inspire efforts across the veterinary community for a healthier and more sustainable environment.
This important white paper demonstrates widespread stakeholder support for veterinary sustainability. As HABRI President Steven Feldman states: "It's becoming increasingly clear that the human-animal bond is not only mutually beneficial for people and pets – it is also essential for a healthy planet."
Riding the Storm: Adapting Equine Management to the Challenges of Climate Change
With thanks to the Australian Equine Veterinarian (AEV) journal, we are excited to share this article, Riding the Storm: Adapting Equine Management to the Challenges of Climate Change, by Drs Verdegaal, McConaghy, Liyou and Delesalle, prepared on behalf of Vets for Climate Action. This brings together current evidence and practical insights on how climate change is already affecting horses, veterinary practice, and the wider equine industry.
The paper outlines key risks for horse health and welfare, including heat stress, water and feed insecurity, natural disasters such as bushfires and floods, transport-related challenges, and the growing threat of vector-borne and parasitic diseases. Importantly, it provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to help veterinarians and horse owners adapt management practices, improve emergency preparedness, and safeguard equine welfare in a changing climate.
Dr Verdegaal was awarded the 2025 EVA John Bourke Literary Prize for this paper.
Sustainable Equine Futures – Pilot Practice Visits
Dr Caitlin Wood and Dr Catherine Chicken recently travelled to Victoria to connect with equine practices who are stepping forward as pilot clinics for the new Sustainable Equine Futures program, currently being developed by Vets for Climate Action.
The team was warmly welcomed at both Avenel Equine Hospital and Ballarat Veterinary Practice – Equine Clinic. It was inspiring to see the enthusiasm and commitment from these clinics, who are motivated to take action and lead change within the veterinary profession.
These practices will now join Scone Equine Hospital and WestVets as the first pilot practices, helping to shape a practical, supportive program tailored to the realities of equine veterinary practice. Together, these clinics are pioneering a pathway towards environmental sustainability and demonstrating how veterinary teams can be part of the solution to climate change.
In case you missed it...
TONIGHT! 7pm AEST September Masterclass - IT'S NOT TOO LATE!
Join us tonight, Tuesday, 30 September at 7pm AEST for our FREE Masterclass to hear from Dr Laura Binnie, Sustainability Lead/Coordinator at Paragon Veterinary group on: Lessons from the Frontline of Veterinary Sustainability.
About the Presenter:
Dr Laura Binnie is a small animal veterinarian who graduated from Edinburgh Veterinary School in 2010, following an earlier degree in zoology with a specialization in parasitology. Based at Paragon Vets, an independent rural mixed practice, she has led their sustainability initiatives since 2020. Laura shares her environmental journey and connects with with like-minded sustainably-focussed vet professionals and pet owners through her Instagram account @thesustainablevet.
Vet Expo in Melbourne!
Clare, Jeremy, Caitlin & Steff
Thank you to all who took the time to stop by our stand, chat about sustainability and play Carbon Chess at this year's Vet Expo– we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! Taking part in our Carbon Chess game and recognising the carbon waste producing elements in vet practice gave you a visual representation of just how easy it is to lower your practice emissions by making a few small changes!
It was fantastic to see so many veterinary professionals keen to explore how sustainability can become part of everyday veterinary care.
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you the marketing rockstar we're looking for?
We're looking to expand our team to include a (volunteer) Marketing and Business Development Manager (1 day/week, remote-friendly!) to help grow the Climate Care Program.
While this will initially be a volunteer role, it is designed to become paid as the program achieves financial sustainability. It's perfect for someone wanting to make a real environmental impact while potentially building their next career opportunity!
If you are interested or know someone who is, you're very welcome to contact Steff at [email protected]
Volunteer at events!
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]
We love hearing from you!
Got a story, tip, or news or event to share? Email us at [email protected] — your ideas and support keep this community strong.
From our partners
Lyka: The Clinic Sessions Webinar Series
Lyka is launching The Clinic Sessions, a new free webinar series bringing leading voices in veterinary science directly to you. Each session features guest experts, real case studies, and practical strategies for clinic application.
First Session: The Skin-Gut Microbiome Axis and Allergy Management
Join Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist Dr Laura Gaylord for a 60-minute webinar exploring the latest research on allergic skin disease—one of the most common conditions in practice. Discover the science behind the skin-gut-microbiome axis and what it means for moving beyond symptom management to comprehensive allergy care.
When: Tuesday, October 22 at 8PM AEST
Where: Live on Microsoft Teams
CPD: 1 point awarded
There are plenty of opportunities for veterinary professionals to make their voices heard on climate and sustainability. Our profession has the chance to lead meaningful climate action.
Whether you're joining us at our masterclass on veterinary sustainability, volunteering at upcoming events, or simply adding your voice to advocacy efforts, every action contributes to protecting the animals and ecosystems we serve. Together, we can ensure a healthier future for our patients, our profession, and our planet.
Warm regards,
Steff Goldring
Chief Executive Officer
W: www.vfca.org.au
P.S. Starting thinking about how your practice can participate in ZerOctober! Every small action counts towards a more sustainable future for veterinary care!