You may have heard that we’re in the 'critical decade'.  But what does this really mean for the veterinary and animal care community?

The United Nations reports that, in 2020, concentrations of global greenhouse gases reached new highs, and as these concentrations rise so does the Earth’s temperature. The years from 2015 to 2021 were the seven warmest on record.  And so, to limit warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels (as set out in the Paris Agreement), emissions must decline by at least 43% by 2030 and net zero by 2050. 

This target should be ‘a floor, not a ceiling’ and, in fact, Australia should aim to reduce emissions by 75% below 2005 levels by 2030 to protect our animals and families from the worsening effects of climate change.

The 2030 goal is critical, and this is why we are in the 'critical decade'.

At Vets for Climate Action we have focussed on key programs to work closely with the veterinary profession to ensure we are doing our part in reducing emissions to secure a better world for our animals, and the people who love and need them. Our Climate Care Program is one of these programs - a digital toolkit to assist Vet Clinics to halve emissions and work towards net zero.