One Health

We've had a few posts on this forum in the past on days of observance related to the environment, sustainability, and energy. Today, I'd like to revisit the importance of clean energy for the future health of our planet but also highlight why it is an equity issue as well. The United Nations is responsible for declaring January 26^th as World Clean Energy Day to "raise awareness and mobilize action for a just and inclusive transition to clean energy for the benefit of people and the planet" and some of the reasons are summarized below.

Greenhouse gases are a major driver of climate change, and a large percentage of greenhouse gases come from the burning of fossil fuels. Pollution from burning fossil fuels as well as the changing climate can have a serious impact on our health and that of our pets. Many areas of the world are starting to see hotter temperatures than they are used to which can lead to heat stress or stroke. As the climate changes, the risk of disease changes as well as parasites and insects that carry diseases move to places where they aren't usually found. Worsening air quality and impacts on food and water supplies are also a concern with climate change, as well as an increase in extreme weather events like hurricanes.

Globally, there are an estimated 666 million people who do not have power. Another 1.5 billion without clean energy, especially in rural areas, use unsafe, unhealthy, and inefficient cooking and heating systems. A lack of reliable power affects access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunity. Without widespread access to clean energy around the globe, many people are left at physical risk and also miss out on important opportunities.

Times Pets reminds us that as pet families, some things we can do to make a difference include being prepared for emergencies and changes in the weather, opting for eco-friendly products for ourselves and our pets, and keeping ourselves informed and sharing tips with others!

Does your organization talk with pet families about including their pet in their household weather emergency plans?

References:

International Day of Clean Energy | United Nations

How Climate Change Affects Our Pets: Understanding the Risks and Protecting Them

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Kaitlyn Andres, MS, MPH
Research Associate
Program for Pet Health Equity
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
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Thanks @Kaitlyn Andres. This is such an important reminder that clean energy and climate resilience are not abstract concepts-they show up in the daily health and safety of both people and pets.

From a One Health perspective, the risks are deeply shared. Extreme heat, poor air quality, and severe weather events increase hospitalizations for people and veterinary emergencies for pets alike. Heat stress, dehydration, respiratory disease, and vector-borne illnesses don't distinguish between species. When power outages disrupt cooling, refrigeration of medications, clean water access, or communications, both human caregivers and animals are put at immediate risk.

Preparation and prevention also look strikingly similar across households with and without pets. Practical steps include:

• Emergency planning that explicitly includes pets, such as evacuation plans, pet-friendly shelters, transport, and emergency kits (food, water, medications, medical records).

• Reducing exposure to environmental hazards, including limiting outdoor activity during poor air quality days or extreme heat and ensuring adequate ventilation and cooling.

• Community-level preparedness, recognizing that access to reliable, clean energy supports healthcare delivery, animal care, food safety, and emergency response.

• Education and communication, helping pet families understand climate-related risks and empowering them to take proactive steps before crises occur.

Clean energy is ultimately about equity and protection-ensuring that households, communities, and the systems that support them are resilient enough to safeguard the health of people and their animals. Conversations with pet families about emergency preparedness are not optional; they are a critical prevention strategy in a changing climate.

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T' Fisher, Director of Operations
Program for Pet Health Equity
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