Also, considering extinction specifically, Will MacAskill has made the argument that we should avert human extinction based on option value even if we think extinction might be best. Basically even if we avert extinction now, we can in theory go extinct later on if we judge that to be the best option.
Note that this post (written by people who agree that reducing extinction risk is good) provides a critique of the option value argument.
Note that this post (written by people who agree that reducing extinction risk is good) provides a critique of the option value argument.