I haven’t actually read the Dasgupta review, only that first link you shared. Overall I think EAs probably don’t disagree that much with what Dasgupta is saying but probably focus on other things due to neglectedness. Even if economics doesn’t account for nature enough, there are still loads of people shouting about the the negative effect we have on nature, and this review was actually commissioned by the UK Government so they are clearly aware of the problem. It’s also hardly news that GDP isn’t a perfect measure. Compare this to things like biorisk and risk from unaligned AI which important people generally don’t think about.
Otherwise a few things jumped out to me from that first link:
Biological diversity is, in fact, declining faster now than at any time in our history. Since 1970, there has been on average almost a 70% drop in the populations of mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. Around one million animal and plant species – almost a quarter of the global total – are believed to be threatened with extinction.
Beyond its intrinsic – and incalculable – worth, biodiversity provides fundamental natural “dividends” that nourish and protect us: from basic sustenance through fish stocks or insects that pollinate crops, to soil regeneration, and water and flooding regulation. Not to mention the cultural and spiritual values that enrich our lives.
Dasgupta doesn’t appear to have factored in animal welfare. Fish “sustaining” us probably isn’t a great thing (unless perhaps some people literally don’t have any other options) and reduction in wild animal populations could actually be good if they live net negative lives (which is quite possible).
The review also refers to ‘intrinsic’ value of biodiversity. I’d imagine EAs mostly reject this thinking biodiversity only has instrumental value.
Thank you for raising this though, I’m hoping to read the report (or maybe a good summary!) and it’s possible that the EA community should too. If natural capital is indeed important in sustaining economic development then it is an important consideration from a long-term perspective.
I haven’t actually read the Dasgupta review, only that first link you shared. Overall I think EAs probably don’t disagree that much with what Dasgupta is saying but probably focus on other things due to neglectedness. Even if economics doesn’t account for nature enough, there are still loads of people shouting about the the negative effect we have on nature, and this review was actually commissioned by the UK Government so they are clearly aware of the problem. It’s also hardly news that GDP isn’t a perfect measure. Compare this to things like biorisk and risk from unaligned AI which important people generally don’t think about.
Otherwise a few things jumped out to me from that first link:
Dasgupta doesn’t appear to have factored in animal welfare. Fish “sustaining” us probably isn’t a great thing (unless perhaps some people literally don’t have any other options) and reduction in wild animal populations could actually be good if they live net negative lives (which is quite possible).
The review also refers to ‘intrinsic’ value of biodiversity. I’d imagine EAs mostly reject this thinking biodiversity only has instrumental value.
Thank you for raising this though, I’m hoping to read the report (or maybe a good summary!) and it’s possible that the EA community should too. If natural capital is indeed important in sustaining economic development then it is an important consideration from a long-term perspective.