References
Sustainability in practice: an overview for small animal veterinary professionals
Abstract
This article will focus on what individuals can do in practice and when talking to clients, to help combat the climate crisis. It will discuss actions that individuals can take at home and at work, and look at ways that practices can become more sustainable through their operations, responsible resource use and responsible medicine use. The article will cover how to inspire the team and engage with management on this topic and signposts to further helpful resources. The article also explores some of the main elements of the ‘carbon pawprint’ of pet ownership, and how to have conversations with clients to help them understand these impacts and reduce them – which often has additional benefits of improving animal welfare and saving clients money.
Climate change is increasingly destabilising the planet, and the effects of this are starting to show even in the relatively stable, temperate UK climate. Veterinary professionals juggle many things day-to-day, and the profession is under intense pressure. It is not surprising that many feel overwhelmed by the climate crisis. However, there is a lot that can be done, and even actions that may feel small make a difference and have significant influence on others. Veterinary professionals must be mindful that working towards net zero – where a balance is achieved between the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere with the amount that is removed – is the biggest way to positively impact animal welfare for many animals into the future, including domestic, farmed and wild.
If this balance can be achieved by 2050 or before, global warming is likely to be limited to the critical 1.5°C rise threshold, after which the climate will become very unstable and unpredictable, with potential for catastrophic weather events occurring frequently. This article will through some of the key areas where individuals can make a tangible difference and provide direction to support and further reading.
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