AVMA President Elect, Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, Champions Veterinarians’ Role in Combating Climate Change—

In a significant move, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has adopted a new policy on “Climate Change and Related Sustainability Issues,” following calls from its members and the AVMA House of Delegates (HOD) to elaborate on the association’s position regarding environmental challenges. The policy, approved during the AVMA’s November meeting, highlights the increasing role veterinarians can play in combating climate change through their One Health expertise.

A Clear Stance on Climate Change

The new policy replaces previous AVMA policies on “Climate Change and One Health,” “Environmental Responsibility Is a One Health Issue,” and “Extractive Industries.” It acknowledges the substantial health impacts of climate change and supports the World Veterinary Association’s stance that climate change is a global emergency. The AVMA’s policy stresses that veterinarians have a professional responsibility to safeguard environmental health.

Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, the AVMA president-elect, expressed his strong belief that veterinarians are uniquely qualified to address climate change. “We are One Health professionals, and from my experience, we are as qualified as anyone else to educate and act on the environmental impacts related to climate change,” said Dr. Bailey. “If a topic is beyond our expertise, we can refer to those who specialize in it, but we should not exclude ourselves from the conversation.”

The policy also underscores climate change as one of several interconnected sustainability challenges, aligning it with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This alignment demonstrates the AVMA’s commitment to global sustainability and the important role veterinary professionals can play in advancing these goals.

Veterinarians as Educators in Sustainability

The new policy’s guidance encourages veterinarians to communicate with the public about the One Health impacts of climate change and environmental hazards. This is a key aspect of the AVMA’s efforts to integrate sustainability into veterinary practices. While some board members raised concerns about veterinarians educating the public on human health issues directly related to climate change, Dr. Bailey’s comments reinforced the importance of the veterinary community’s role.

Shaping Future Resource Development

The AVMA’s new climate change policy is the first step in a larger effort to help veterinary professionals adopt sustainable practices. The AVMA Board has also committed to creating resources that will assist veterinarians in promoting environmental sustainability in the workplace. These resources will be designed to help veterinary clinics and practices reduce their environmental footprint and better incorporate sustainability into their operations.

Dr. Robert Knapp, AVMA Board chair, explained that this policy lays the groundwork for the development of such resources. “This is step one, and the resources will come,” Dr. Knapp said, referring to future materials that will provide practical guidance for veterinary professionals looking to reduce their environmental impact.

A Unified Approach to Sustainability

The AVMA’s new policy also highlights the collective responsibility of veterinarians in addressing climate change and related sustainability issues. The board’s comprehensive approach emphasizes that veterinarians should lead by example, integrate sustainability into daily practices, and collaborate across disciplines to combat climate change.

This initiative comes at a time when global awareness of climate change’s effects is growing, and many industries, including veterinary medicine, are recognizing their role in mitigating environmental damage. The AVMA’s policy positions veterinarians as essential contributors to global sustainability efforts, reinforcing the veterinary profession’s importance in advancing public health through the One Health framework.

Looking Ahead: Veterinary Leadership in Sustainability

Dr. Bailey’s leadership and the AVMA’s new policy are paving the way for a more sustainable future in veterinary care. As climate change continues to impact public health, wildlife, and ecosystems, the veterinary profession’s involvement in addressing these challenges will be more crucial than ever. By empowering veterinarians to take action and educate the public, the AVMA is not just responding to climate change; it is taking a proactive stance in ensuring the health and well-being of both animals and humans.

The AVMA’s commitment to sustainability and the new policy on climate change represents a significant step in recognizing the power of veterinary professionals in addressing some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues.