Appalled by the ongoing loss of animals due to climate change, Veterinariansfor Climate Action (VfCA) have outlined four key policies for the next federalgovernment.

Jeannet Kessels, Chair of VfCA, said veterinarians are scientists relying onpublished scientific findings to provide the best possible care for animals,and it is a scientific fact that climate change is harming and killinganimals.

“Wildlife, livestock, and pets face ever increasing threats to their healthand welfare unless climate change is addressed as a priority.”

The four key policies put forward by VfCA to the next federal government are:

1. Develop an effective national climate action plan as a priority, with stronger net-zero emissions targets via deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and a rapid transition to renewable energy.
2. Put an end to destruction of native vegetation, and to increase plantings of native vegetation.
3. Strengthen environmental protections afforded by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, including incorporating a climate trigger.
4. Support and lead the development and delivery of a national government-industry program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants, cattle and sheep.

The effects of climate change include the expectation of temperatures incities rising by more than four degrees by the end of the century, which wouldsee heatwaves posing a risk for companion animals such as dogs, cats, andhorses.

Over the past few years, the floods, fires, heatwaves, and droughts, havecaused devastating losses to the livestock of farmers. VfCA state that withoutnational planning and programming climate change will continue to increase thefrequency and severity of these events.

“There is current and developing knowledge on sustainable farming and on howto reduce methane emissions from ruminant livestock,” VfCA said.

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