I understand the concern about wondering whether growth is actually good since it allows a large expansion of factory farming. It can seem gross indeed, and unfair.
But given the terrible amount of suffering that factory farming allows—and the simple fact that animals are much more numerous than humans—I don’t think we can rule out the fact that the positive effects of growth are negated by the suffering caused on other beings.
It is an uncomfortable question. I really don’t like asking myself this. But if you put it in other terms, any action that leads to putting billions of being in cages so small they barely can turn around is a strong way to offset any other positive aspects.
I’m not sure in what terms this topic should be debated. Obviously it would be better if growth could happen without causing this suffering. But running the calculations, the negative aspects of growth are just very strong (although impacts on wild animal suffering make it unclear).
I understand the concern about wondering whether growth is actually good since it allows a large expansion of factory farming. It can seem gross indeed, and unfair.
But given the terrible amount of suffering that factory farming allows—and the simple fact that animals are much more numerous than humans—I don’t think we can rule out the fact that the positive effects of growth are negated by the suffering caused on other beings.
It is an uncomfortable question. I really don’t like asking myself this. But if you put it in other terms, any action that leads to putting billions of being in cages so small they barely can turn around is a strong way to offset any other positive aspects.
I’m not sure in what terms this topic should be debated. Obviously it would be better if growth could happen without causing this suffering. But running the calculations, the negative aspects of growth are just very strong (although impacts on wild animal suffering make it unclear).