Environmental issues, particularly those linked to agriculture, are high on the current political agenda in New Zealand. As a result of this, matters which should be subjected to a logical, science based debate have become sensitive and emotional discussions, which frequently bridge that fundamental of New Zealand society: the rural/city divide.

Ali Haggarty is part of our network of experts, read below to find out a little more about her work.

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A summary of the presentation given at the recent BCVA congress by Professor Frank Mitloehner

At the recent British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) Congress held at Celtic Manor, there were a whole series of presentations dedicated to Sustainability and VetSalus consultants were involved in delivering several of these.

There can be little doubt that as the world faces the challenges of climate change, including biodiversity collapse, species extinction and scarcity of food in many regions, vets and other members of the vet-led team, involved in animal agriculture, have an essential role to play.

At the recent BCVA Congress, VetSalus Director, Alasdair Moffett, presented a case study around regenerative agriculture and how vets can work with their clients.

Definition of Regenerative - Oxford English Dictionary – To regrow or be renewed or restored, especially after being damaged or lost.

As the stressed negotiators and delegates leave Glasgow and the politicians begin to talk up the success of the event, the rest of us might be excused for wondering what has been achieved? A number of voluntary decisions have hit the headlines including resolutions on deforestation, methane reduction and “phasing down” of fossil fuel emissions. But the reality is that these are, in the main, voluntary resolutions and there is little or no way of enforcing them. The prospects of keeping the global warming target at 1.5C are rapidly waning.

With the high media profile being generated by COP-26 it is not too surprising to find methane back in the headlines again. What is maybe surprising to anyone looking for a logical science based approach, is the frequency with which the words dairy industry and methane appear in the same sentence. This VetSalus bulletin will reinforce a few basic scientific facts about methane. Over the coming weeks we will also produce some in-depth articles on COP-26 topics.

Here are a few facts about methane and its impact upon climate change: