Sustainably in the veterinary profession Flashcards
What is the definition of sustainability?
Meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Encompasses addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and environmental degradation.
What are the six Veterinary Sustainability Goals identified by VetSustain?
Diverse and Abundant Wildlife: Conserve habitats and biodiversity.
A Good Life for Animals: Safeguard animal health and welfare.
Net Zero Warming: Promote decarbonization and mitigate climate change.
Health and Happiness: Enhance human wellbeing and sustainable lifestyles.
A No-Waste Society: Minimize waste and transition to a circular economy.
Enough Clean Water for All: Mitigate water stress and prevent pollution.
What is the veterinary profession’s role in sustainability?
Protecting animal health and welfare, biodiversity, and the environment.
Addressing issues like invasive species, antimicrobial resistance, food security, and climate change.
Promoting sustainable practices within the profession and influencing broader environmental policies.
What interventions can make the veterinary profession more sustainable?
Adopting Circular Economies: Minimize resource use and waste.
Energy Efficiency: Use renewable energy sources and implement energy-saving measures.
Decarbonization Efforts: Transition to net-zero carbon emissions.
Sustainable Clinical Practices: Reduce use of single-use materials and manage waste effectively.
Water Conservation: Prevent water pollution and adopt freshwater conservation practices.
What does the Veterinary Student Sustainability Guide recommend?
Engage in sustainable practices during university and placements.
Advocate for sustainability initiatives within clinical and preclinical settings.
Utilize resources such as Vet Sustain to identify best practices.
What are key terms related to carbon emissions?
Carbon Footprint: Total emissions caused by an individual or activity.
Carbon Neutral: Balancing emitted and absorbed carbon.
Net Zero: Reducing emissions to nearly zero and offsetting the rest.
Carbon Offsetting vs. Insetting: Offsetting involves reducing emissions outside an organization, while insetting focuses on internal reductions.
