BVA releases wish list ahead of COP26 climate summit

The BVA has released its “wish list” ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow this Sunday, with their demands calling for a one health approach.

Ahead of the climate summit this weekend, BVA president Justine Shotton has called on world leaders to prioritise animal welfare and biodiversity.

Wish list

The BVA’s COP26 wish list is:

• Recognition that to tackle climate change we need a true one health approach that understands the interconnected needs of the environment, humans and animals.
• A commitment to animal health and welfare as a key sustainability objective.
• Understanding and promotion of the role of sustainable resource management to protect and conserve species, habitats and biodiversity.
• Ambitious, but realistic targets that encourage both innovation and pragmatism to be genuinely achievable.
• International commitments that are genuinely fair and inclusive, and that close equality gaps, in line with our own commitments to equality and inclusivity.

Dr Shotton said: “Climate change is a global emergency, and the veterinary profession is uniquely placed to advocate for animal health and welfare and public health in international efforts to halt climate change and mitigate its effects.

“As world leaders gather in Glasgow it provides a perfect opportunity for us as individuals, organisations and businesses to think about our own actions, and the BVA is keen to stimulate debate and ideas within the veterinary profession on what we can all do to reach net zero. But this is all in the context of national and international commitments.”

Debate

Dr Shotton added: “We’re keen to use this opportunity to stimulate debate within the profession, and encourage veterinary professionals to reflect on what changes could also be made in their own practices and workplaces.

“As the veterinary profession gathers for the London Vet Show in November we’ll be hosting a panel debate on the veterinary profession’s role in the ‘Race to Zero’ and asking delegates to make their own #GreenTeamVet pledge, building on the Greener Veterinary Practice Checklist.

“We’re also delighted to welcome leading UK climate scientist Tamsin Edwards in our keynote Wooldridge lecture.”