Environment in Veterinary Education.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Agricultural Policy
• Veterinary Education

Background:

• Environmental concerns have risen in priority since the late 20th century.
• The EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has shifted focus towards environmental aspects.
• Sustainable development and climate change adaptation necessitate environmental education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the need for environmental education within veterinary curricula.
• To address the gap in veterinarians' knowledge regarding environmental impacts of animal production.
• To prepare future veterinarians for climate change challenges in the rural sector.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the evolution of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
• Identification of key environmental challenges in animal production.
• Review of current veterinary education in relation to environmental science.

Main Results:

• CAP policies increasingly incorporate environmental considerations.
• Veterinarians require enhanced knowledge of environmental impacts (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions, resource use).
• Existing veterinary programs offer limited environmental training.

Conclusions:

• Environmental education is vital for veterinarians to address climate change.
• Veterinary training must integrate tools for quantifying environmental effects of animal production.
• Future veterinarians need to be equipped to manage climate change risks and promote sustainability.