I think it mostly means that you should be looking to get quick wins. When calculating the effectiveness of an intervention, don’t assume things like “over the course of an 85-year lifespan this person will be healthier due to better nutrition now.” or “this person will have better education and thus more income 20 years from now.” Instead just think: How much good does this intervention accomplish in the next 5 years? (Or if you want to get fancy, use e.g. a 10%/yr discount rate)
I think it mostly means that you should be looking to get quick wins. When calculating the effectiveness of an intervention, don’t assume things like “over the course of an 85-year lifespan this person will be healthier due to better nutrition now.” or “this person will have better education and thus more income 20 years from now.” Instead just think: How much good does this intervention accomplish in the next 5 years? (Or if you want to get fancy, use e.g. a 10%/yr discount rate)
See Neartermists should consider AGI timelines in their spending decisions—EA Forum (effectivealtruism.org)