minthin
Posts 2
Comments24
Fascinating approach to rodenticide contraception, that is a cool way to galvanize a search for the solution. Does this mean you have analyzed the current contraceptives and feel that they fall short? Senestech has a new product called Evolve and Wisdom Goodworks has a product called Goodbites. Is it possible that either of these could already fit the criteria needed to manage rodent populations?
Thought provoking take! I hadnt considered this angle. While there is uncertainty, one obvious conclusion is to manage the welfare of animals killed by fishery industries. Supporting the work of organizations like Fish Welfare Initiative.
One note: the jargon was challenging to navigate. I almost ducked out at planktonic mysids and pelagic decapods! : P
You pose some great questions, Holly.
I really like the EA culture of "unintended consequences" analysis, as you do with a political campaign on rodent control. That analysis is good to do with all campaigns, and some political campaigns will have greater risks and some will have lesser. It is not inherently a reason not to engage in politics.
Interesting points about undermining democracy. I think it is also worth considering the null-hypothesis: what is the impact of doing nothing? How does it favor existing powers to continue the status quo?
Ultimately, the costs and benefit of political campaigns are extremely difficult to quantify, so I understand why EAs are still developing our attitudes toward this. As a person who works in politics, I agree that there are potential consequences to be wary of (developing a partisan identity, making powerful enemies, etc). Nonetheless, I see these as important precautions and risks to mitigate rather than dealbreakers.
I like the philosophy behind this--in order to win in politics we need to build coalitions. A good example of aligning opposing sides behind one bill is the recent Inflation Reduction Act, which was our nation's largest climate bill in history, but also had provisions that advanced fossil fuel interests.
I do have questions about practicality--how would somebody work with beef? Call them? Is there enough trust between animal welfare and beef to collaborate? Given that the big picture is to have the beef industry stop hurting/killing cows, would they want to work with a community that believes in its abolition? Are we talking Big Beef or small scale ranchers? If the latter, are local ranchers powerful enough to advance law?
I understand that we are not giving beef a free pass, but instead finding a meeting of "strange bedfellows" with mutually aligned interests. I like the concept: support from the beef industry immediately neutralizes any stigma associated with a bill being a "vegan agenda". There may be a need to test this on a local level before working on a national campaign.
Hey Nitin! I'm so glad you are investing in this!! Such an important topic and I'm grateful for your work to marry conservation and welfare. There are few people who could do that, so I'm glad you have made strides already.
You may be interested to know we have a campaign in DC to manage rat populations without the use of poisons DCratsolutions.com
I read about the interest in creating a new contraceptive via a convening of experts/funders and a prize. That sounds cool to target it toward island species to make it focused on conservation with a humane approach. Do you have a sense of how it can incorporate established R&D on contraceptives so as to not be duplicative?