VSA is beholden to the many individuals and groups who have championed issues and organized teams to work in the veterinary sustainability space long before VSA was formed. The opportunity to learn from their experiences, collaborate and build on resources has been invaluable to our organization as it develops in North America.
It can be overwhelming to work in this space. Topics like climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution are quintessential ‘wicked problems’ and it’s easy to lose focus. One of the most helpful framings we have encountered are the Veterinary Sustainability Goals developed by Vet Sustain, a UK based non-profit created to ‘…[support] veterinary professionals to drive change towards a more sustainable future’.
The 6 Veterinary Sustainability Goals as developed by Vet Sustain Vet Sustain identified six sustainability goals for the veterinary profession, cross referencing these to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) put forth by the United Nations. Just as the SDGs are globally relevant, the Veterinary Sustainability Goals are applicable to, and can be operationalized by, animal health professionals around the world. The VSA seeks to contribute meaningfully to these goals through our work in North America and by supporting our like-minded colleagues around the world.
In effort to highlight the need for each goal, and actions that can be taken to make a different in this space, this website uses tags to map content to each goal as possible. We broadly align our work with the original Veterinary Sustainability Goals with the following icons and terminology. While spread around the world, our profession is united by our commitment to animal health. Thanks to our colleagues across the Atlantic for proposing this framework for the profession to mobilize in the sustainability space!
Animal wellbeing (A good life for animals): Keeping animals healthy is good for the planet! Healthy and comfortable animals use less resources than those that are sick. But some animals, and the people who care for them, need more help than others. Expanding access to veterinary care for our most vulnerable, promoting preventative medicine, supporting the human animal bond and animal welfare will build resilience in our communities.
Warming (Net zero warming): Reducing emissions that drive global warming is an immediate health priority. Actions we take, or fail to take, at this critical time will shape our future and that for generations to come. Veterinary medicine can mitigate this change through use of renewables, expanded energy efficiencies and carbon sequestration.
Waste (No-waste society): The topic of waste has been repeatedly identified as a priority action area for health professionals. As most healthcare emissions come from purchased materials, addressing the problem of waste extends from our medical supply chains to management of materials within clinics.
Water (Enough clean water for all): Water is life! By preventing medical and animal pollutants from reaching waterways, conserving water at work and at home we will keep it this resource clean and plentiful.
Nature (Diverse and abundant wildlife): The biodiversity crisis is an animal health crisis. By protecting and expanding our natural ecosystems, we support the multitude of species dependent on these habitats. Veterinary professionals can be a critical voice for the healthy wildlife and the landscapes that provide for us all.
Human wellbeing (Health and happiness): Healthy animals need healthy people to protect them and our planet for generations to come. In our profession, and our communities, we seek health and happiness for all.
