Climate Change is Animal Health

Our team is focused on the animal health impacts of a changing environment. Climate change has been identified as a leading health threat of the 21st century, and the veterinary community needs to be equipped to address this emerging issue. We are a group of students, staff, and faculty at Colorado State University who are working with a diverse, global network of animal health professionals. Our program has three pillars: research, education, and action. Through our work we seek to equip people with the tools they need to protect the health of animals and the environment that sustains them.

research project

VetCAST

The Veterinary Climate Action & Sustainability Talks are stories about how the environment influences animal health. Created by an epic team of Colorado State University Veterinary students, these episodes seek to expand your knowledge and inspire you to take action to protect animal health.

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research project

The Air We Share

Wildfires and other air pollutants are a health risk for animals and people alike. We are collaborating with faculty across campus to better understand these impacts and take action so everyone can breathe a little easier.

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research project

Sustainability Advocacy in Veterinary Education (SAVE)

Animal health professionals in training and in practice are interested in learning about the animal health impacts of climate change. Our online program seeks to educate and build community around this important topic.

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research project

Animal Health Advocates in a Changing Climate Symposium

This student-run conference covers a range of topics and seeks to empower animal health professionals to take action on the topic of climate change

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Publications

Empowering Veterinarians to Be Planetary Health Stewards Through Policy and Practice
Kiran D, Sander WE, Duncan CG. (2022).
Front. Vet. Sci, Vol7 | doi: 10.3389/fvets.2022.775411

A Systematic Review of Environmental Sustainability in Veterinary Practice
Koytcheva, MK, Sauerwein, LK, Webb, TL, Baumgarn, SA, Skeels, SA, Duncan, CG. (2021).
TCAM | doi: 10.1016/j.tcam.2021.100550

Environmental Sustainability in Veterinary Medicine: An Opportunity for Teaching Hospitals.
Schiavone, SCM, Smith, SM, Mazariegos, I, Salomon, M, Webb, TL, Carpenter, MJ, Baumgarn, S, Duncan, CG. (2021).
JVME | doi: 10.3138/jvme-2020-0125

Preparing Veterinarians to Address the Health Impacts of Climate Change: Student Perceptions, Knowledge Gaps and Opportunities.
Pollard, AE, Rowlison, DL, Kohnen, A, McGuffin, K, Geldert, C, Kramer, C, MacDonald, L, Kastendieck, EG, Sekhon, SS, Carpenter, M, Duncan, CG. (2020).
JVME | doi: 10.3138/jvme-2019-0080

Veterinarians in a Changing Global Climate: Educational Disconnect and a Path Forward.
Kramer CG, McCaw, KA, Zarestky, J, Duncan, CG.  (2020).
Front. Vet. Sci, Vol7 | doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.613620

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People

Colleen Duncan, D.V.M., Ph.D.

Principal Investigator [PI]
Associate Professor

Rachel Conway headshot.
Rachel Conway

Graduate Researcher

Yoshua Goodman headshot.
Yoshua Goodman

Graduate Researcher

Caroline Kern-Allely
Caroline Kern-Allely

Graduate Researcher

Maria Kotcheva headshot.
Maria Koytcheva

Graduate Researcher

Collin Kramer headshot.
Collin Kramer

Graduate Researcher

Tiera McAdam
Tiera McAdam

Graduate Researcher

Malea McGimsey headshot.
Malea McGimsey

Graduate Researcher

Josh Moore headshot.
Josh Moore

Graduate Researcher

Douglas Petty
Douglas Petty

Graduate Researcher

Leah Sauerwein headshot.
Leah Sauerwein

Graduate Researcher

Danni Scott headshot.
Danni Scott

Graduate Researcher

Valerie Wright
Valerie Wright

Graduate Researcher

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