Why is this an issue for vets?
In addition to their own footprint, the veterinary profession is closely involved with many sectors that have a direct impact on the environment. These are also topical areas in current conversations around sustainability such as food, farming, and antimicrobial resistance.
Vets work to champion and safeguard animal health and welfare and undertake varied roles across a wide range of animal species. Their expertise enables them to gain a unique insight into the damaging effects that our changing planet is having on animals.
As a health-centred profession, and key player in the One Health Agenda, vets recognise the interconnections between human wellbeing, animal wellbeing, and the wellbeing of the environment. Vets are one of the most trusted professions in the UK and their opinion matters.
Since the Vet Futures report was published in 2015, the urgency and public awareness of the issues facing humans, animals, and the natural world has accelerated significantly. There is no better time to start getting involved.
"We have an ambition to increase our prominence and influence across a wide range of global health and environmental sustainability issues – including protecting animal health and welfare, the natural environment, biodiversity, managing invasive species, climate change, food security, research and development, and antimicrobial resistance." - BVA/RCVS Vet Futures report, 2015