The profession's part in a greener future

One consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic has been to reduce carbon emissions. The enforced changes of working from home, greatly reduced travel and curtailing of social lives have at least produced some benefit. Learning to work and meet in a virtual manner will alter our behaviour in the future. The bulk of CPD in this last year has been undertaken remotely. This month's virtual BSAVA Congress has pledged to be carbon neutral. Delegates to this and other conferences from all around the world will be able to attend without the time, cost and environmental impact that travelling to meetings brings.

The profession is definitely more aware of its environmental responsibilities. The RCVS, working with the UK Health Alliance on Climate Change, has set up an Environment and Sustainability Working Party to consider the development of a formal policy in this area, both for the RCVS and in relation to the profession as a whole. BVA has an action plan for sustainability and the veterinary profession, particularly looking at responsible farming practices and food production. BSAVA has set up a working group on sustainability, to assess practices within the association and the small animal veterinary community.