Hi! I agree very much with your post, and I am very interested in this problem. Agree with most of the things you’ve said in the context of EA principles, though not so much on the meat consumption front—I find it tenuous that a focus on the switch to alternatives to meat will significantly impact biodiversity loss, so long as factory farming and the institutions that perpetuate factory farming, continue to prosper. Aligned with this thinking if these two worked in tandem, it would be a more significant impact.
I don’t have the research on this—it’s just a hypothesis for now, so can’t share anything, but I would love to work on the issue.
Happy to hear you’re interested in the issue :-) Regarding the skepticism on whether alternative meats can move the needle on biodiversity loss—I understand, I was there too :D
On the problem side of things, it’s clear we need to reduce meat consumption to slow down biodiversity loss. I interviewed the author of this paper that talks about it. If you don’t have access but would like to read it, DM me and I can share my notes :-)
On the solution side of things, there is uncertainty. Alternative meats aren’t the only proposed solution. Another major one is behavioural ‘nudges’ that can reduce animal product consumption. Though they seem to have low effect size—when used individually, at least. (Source) Also, scientists have theoretically also proposed changed diets that don’t try to mimic meat—just cut it out entirely. (Source)
I don’t have any quantitative proof to say one approach is better. Though there are lots of opinions out there if you want to ask people ;-) If you’re aware of any quantitative data or other proposed solutions, feel free to share them!
Hi! I agree very much with your post, and I am very interested in this problem. Agree with most of the things you’ve said in the context of EA principles, though not so much on the meat consumption front—I find it tenuous that a focus on the switch to alternatives to meat will significantly impact biodiversity loss, so long as factory farming and the institutions that perpetuate factory farming, continue to prosper. Aligned with this thinking if these two worked in tandem, it would be a more significant impact.
I don’t have the research on this—it’s just a hypothesis for now, so can’t share anything, but I would love to work on the issue.
The other parts—I totally agree :)
Happy to hear you’re interested in the issue :-) Regarding the skepticism on whether alternative meats can move the needle on biodiversity loss—I understand, I was there too :D
On the problem side of things, it’s clear we need to reduce meat consumption to slow down biodiversity loss. I interviewed the author of this paper that talks about it. If you don’t have access but would like to read it, DM me and I can share my notes :-)
On the solution side of things, there is uncertainty. Alternative meats aren’t the only proposed solution. Another major one is behavioural ‘nudges’ that can reduce animal product consumption. Though they seem to have low effect size—when used individually, at least. (Source) Also, scientists have theoretically also proposed changed diets that don’t try to mimic meat—just cut it out entirely. (Source)
I don’t have any quantitative proof to say one approach is better. Though there are lots of opinions out there if you want to ask people ;-) If you’re aware of any quantitative data or other proposed solutions, feel free to share them!
Thanks for your reply! I have been deep in trying to complete assignments. let me get back to you after this coming week or next!
The quantitative proof can come from us after proper thorough research. ;)