Christmas is only 31 sleeps, but there is little time to sleep on climate. The Government aims to pass its environmental law reforms by the end of the year. In its current form, the proposed legislation does not protect nature. The draft legislation fails to consider climate pollution or require decision-makers to consider the impact of climate harm from project approvals, as an example. You can have your say by writing a submission to the Government – the Climate Council has some helpful tips here.
There is some good news coming out of COP30 in Brazil, the annual UN meeting to discuss and negotiate climate policies: Australia has signed the Belém Declaration on the Transition away from Fossil Fuels, the strongest statement on fossil fuels from any Australian This acknowledges that our legally binding obligation to limit heating to 1.5 means no new fossil fuel projects. Our role now is to hold our Government accountable to this.
And it is possible. While the Nationals and Liberals have abandoned Net Zero, creating unnecessary uncertainty for business and investment, the clean energy transition is accelerating. With 4 million rooftop solar installations in Australia, and the renewable technology and infrastructure improving – we can phase out coal and gas. In fact, new modelling study suggests that Australia’s household energy bills will halve by 2050, through wide adoption of solar, batteries, and EVs. And, eligible apartment and townhouse residents can now access solar rebates of up to $2,800 through the Victorian Government’s Solar for Apartments program — helping reduce bills and emissions.
Now, it's time to ensure the Government matches this momentum, phase out coal and gas, and deliver the climate action our animals, communities and Pacific neighbours desperately need.
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Following the success of our Australian program, we're excited to partner with the New Zealand Veterinary Association, Vet Sustain UK, and VetSalus to release a version of the Climate Care Programme specifically created for New Zealand veterinary teams.
Then the Climate Care Programme is for you!
Learn more about the Programme from Dr Jane Ough, NZVA Climate Change Ambassador, and co-developer for NZ.
As a special thank you to our early adopters, we're offering 30% off for anyone who signs up for the Programme this month. Enter the code NZCHAMPS to claim your discount before 30 November!
And, if you would like to be part of our team and share further sustainable steps in NZ, make sure to keep reading for an exciting opportunity…
As ZerOctober, our month of veterinary sustainability, drew to a close, we gathered online to share inspiring stories, and recognise the dedication of our growing Climate Care community and celebrate their actions!
🏅 Outstanding Individual Effort Award: Shalinie Navaratne at Brimbank Veterinary Clinic for going above and beyond: planting trees, creating a video highlighting the practice's sustainable steps and her day-to-day actions…
🏅 Sustainable Practice Award – celebrating clinics leading the way in climate smart operations: Grantham Street Veterinary Clinic who introduced recycling with Royan Canin, air drying, less plastic products and learning to reduce their isoflurane use.
🏅 Innovation Award – highlighting creative and practical solutions to reduce waste or emissions: Wattle Grove Veterinary Hospital for almost halving their emissions through simple steps like upgrading the water heater, turning off machines and lights, recycling, composting and more…
🏅 Team Spirit Award – recognising the power of collaboration in driving change: Emergency Vets 24/7 (Cairns) for their staff beach clean up at Holloways Beach!
🎉 Congratulations to all our Zero Heroes! 🎉
Here's to another year of progress, and we look forward to what's ahead as our community continues to lead the way towards a sustainable, climate-resilient future for animals and the people who care for them!
In addition to celebrating our wonderful Zero Heroes, in our ZerOctober Masterclass, we take you through how to take measurable climate action in your practice and calculate your carbon footprint.
How to interpret your clinic energy and gas bills
How to measure your isoflurane and electricity use
How to start tracking your emissions this year so you can compare progress in 2026
Whether your clinic is just starting its sustainability journey or already making strides, this masterclass will give you the tools and confidence to take the next step.
In October, Drs Caitlin Wood and Catherine Chicken hit the road, visiting Tamworth and the Upper Hunter, and meeting with and presenting to the Scone Equine group and Tamworth Equine Vet Centre. While there they also delivered a 30-minute presentation updating the Upper Hunter AVA Regional Group on the Sustainable Equine Futures program.
If you'd like to learn more about the Program, reach out to Caitlin on [email protected]
We would like to warmly extend an invitation to join our AGM (via zoom) on:
Monday, 1 December 2025 from 6:30pm AEDT / 5:30pm AEST / 3:30pm AWST
This is an opportunity to hear about AVEA's achievements over the past year, and outlook for 2026.
The Notice and Agenda for the AGM is available here. You don't need to be a member to attend the AGM but only our members are entitled to vote.
If you are not currently a member, you are invited to become one today!
Earlier this year, inspired by natural forces, our membership program was updated to deepen members' connection with our work and amplify our collective impact, and plant native trees!
Joining is simple – just visit www.vfca.org.au/membership to select your annual membership tier and be part of our next chapter.
In our November Masterclass, Dr Caitlin Pfeiffer presented From Literature to Action: How research in Veterinary Climate Action is Informing Practice Change.
Dr Caitlin Pfeiffer is a veterinarian, researcher, and dedicated advocate for sustainable veterinary practice. Caitlin brings a deep passion for the health of animals, people and the environments we all share. With experience across clinical practice, academia, and climate-focused veterinary leadership, she understands the real-world pressures veterinary teams face — and the powerful role our profession can play in responding to climate change.
In this webinar, Dr Pfeiffer who leads the University of Melbourne’s Veterinary Climate Action research program shares current evidence on:
National Recycling Week (11–17 November) has been and gone, but it is never too late to take stock of our habits and make small changes that make a big difference.
At AVEA, we know that sustainability starts with simple, everyday choices — and recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and protect our planet for animals, people, and nature.
Every week, we’re encouraging our community to look around their homes and workplaces and ask:
What can be reused, repurposed, or recycled instead of thrown away?
Could your clinic set up a recycling station for soft plastics, batteries, or printer cartridges?
Can you switch to recycled paper, refillable pens, or sustainable cleaning products?