Executive summary: Well-intentioned actions by charities and activists can sometimes backfire and cause more harm than good when they neglect to consider alternative outcomes or more effective interventions.
Key points:
Campaigns against nuclear power may increase fossil fuel use and emissions
Banning glyphosate could lead to use of more toxic herbicides
Boycotting palm oil may increase deforestation due to less efficient alternatives
Campaigns against red meat could increase chicken/fish consumption, causing more animal suffering
Fundraising for average charities may divert donations from highly effective ones
Activists should carefully consider unintended consequences and relative effectiveness of interventions
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, andcontact us if you have feedback.
Executive summary: Well-intentioned actions by charities and activists can sometimes backfire and cause more harm than good when they neglect to consider alternative outcomes or more effective interventions.
Key points:
Campaigns against nuclear power may increase fossil fuel use and emissions
Banning glyphosate could lead to use of more toxic herbicides
Boycotting palm oil may increase deforestation due to less efficient alternatives
Campaigns against red meat could increase chicken/fish consumption, causing more animal suffering
Fundraising for average charities may divert donations from highly effective ones
Activists should carefully consider unintended consequences and relative effectiveness of interventions
This comment was auto-generated by the EA Forum Team. Feel free to point out issues with this summary by replying to the comment, and contact us if you have feedback.