original proposal for GLOBAL VfCA
Global Animal Climate Network Proposal
Strengthening Veterinary Climate Action for the animals we love and need
Context:
Climate change impacts those who have no voice; livestock, wildlife and companion animals. It affects animal health, welfare, biosecurity, biodiversity, extinctions, global food supply and One Health, all within the veterinary wheelhouse.
Veterinarians have a moral, economic and soon legal imperative to act. As trusted voices across every demographic, in every community around the world, vets have the unique opportunity to drive real change.
The proposed Global Animal Climate Network is an ambitious initiative to scale the unique, proven foundation of Veterinarians for Climate Action (VfCA Australia). VfCA is modelling climate education and advocacy, and leading by positive example through its practical, world-first, Climate Care Program.
The proposed Animal Climate Network has the vocal support of two Nobel Laureates; VfCA Patron (and Veterinarian) Prof Peter Doherty and VfCA Board Director and IPCC Vice Chair, climate scientist Prof Mark Howden. See Prof Doherty’s endorsement here
VfCA founder Dr Jeannet Kessels presented to all heads of veterinary associations at the World Vet Association General Assembly in 2024, inspiring substantial international interest in veterinary climate action as per the map below. Please also view the call to action from Ugandan veterinarian Dr Mariam Kihika.
VfCA has a strong will but lacks resources to scale globally.
Global interest in the work of VfCA at the WVA General Assembly 2024 Cape Town
Objectives of the Global Animal Climate Network:
To connect budding veterinary climate organisations internationally, driving collaboration, sharing resources and inspiring powerful joint advocacy. Through veterinarians, the Animal Climate Network can then inspire and educate the public across every demographic, to protect the animals we love and need.
Specifically, the network will;
Leverage veterinarians, as trusted, scientific voices, deeply connected within their communities across every demographic – to educate, advocate and lead by positive example in the climate crisis, globally.
Educate veterinary and animal care organisations to recognise the science of climate change and its effect on animals, and advocate for urgent action on their behalf. Currently the Australian Vet Association policy on Climate Change and Animal Health, Welfare and Production, developed with VfCA, appears to be a world-first.
Connect and encourage budding veterinary and animal care climate organisations globally, to enhance their work, prevent duplication and drive joint advocacy for climate-positive policy. Current organisations include; Vets for Climate Action Australia, Vet Sustain UK, Veterinary Climate Alliance Uganda, Ecoveto France, Veterinary Sustainability Alliance USA.
Veterinarians hold a unique place in communities, and can inspire, provide guidance, and act as a catalyst for those who love, care for and work with animals to act urgently on climate change.
Demonstrate practical leadership in the journey to net zero; providing solutions and sharing effective strategies for the positive business case for net zero.
Provide a repository for shared resources, speakers and programs for veterinary sustainability and climate care already available, avoiding duplication.
Vets for Climate Action respectfully requests support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to make the Global Animal Climate Network a reality. VfCA can be contacted at chair@vfca.org.au
Thank you