Same as for Columbus, I doubt that individual contributions played a large counterfactual role in factory farming. I’d guess it’s largely due to systemic factors, except maybe in China where it was a more conscious decision.
I’m confused by your wild animal welfare argument. If their welfare is net negative, then killing them reduces overall suffering, unless cruel methods are used?
Re: wild animals suffering. My sense is that suffering could be increased in such mass killing, as the animals didn’t just died (in some cases in extremely painful ways such as traps), their energy is released back to become some other wild animals. Also, certain species suddenly drop in population very likely forces most species in the system to suddenly experience survival pressure. (even for the prey of the animal killed, because if their predators suddenly disappear, they will soon starve by eating out everything they can eat).
Otherwise, EAs can also use such mass killing as a wild animal suffering intervention (which is allowed in some countries).
Same as for Columbus, I doubt that individual contributions played a large counterfactual role in factory farming. I’d guess it’s largely due to systemic factors, except maybe in China where it was a more conscious decision.
I’m confused by your wild animal welfare argument. If their welfare is net negative, then killing them reduces overall suffering, unless cruel methods are used?
Re: wild animals suffering. My sense is that suffering could be increased in such mass killing, as the animals didn’t just died (in some cases in extremely painful ways such as traps), their energy is released back to become some other wild animals. Also, certain species suddenly drop in population very likely forces most species in the system to suddenly experience survival pressure. (even for the prey of the animal killed, because if their predators suddenly disappear, they will soon starve by eating out everything they can eat).
Otherwise, EAs can also use such mass killing as a wild animal suffering intervention (which is allowed in some countries).