A preliminary estimate, and a request for better ones.
Summary
I believe the standard literature estimates for the number of DALYs attributable to a case of stunting are too low, largely because they don’t account for the long term effects. This means that childhood nutritional interventions that reduce the prevalence of stunting may be substantially more cost-effective than previously believed.
Epistemic status
Exploratory and back-o...
Note: This post was crossposted from Planned Obsolescence by the Forum team, with the author's permission. The author may not see or respond to comments on this post.
Subtitle: It’s a major warning shot, and might be the last one we get
All opinions are my personal view, and don’t represent my employer or fellow investigators.
This week, METR and Redwood Research published...
Last week, the Forum grappled with cluelessness. The volume of entries (76 essays!)[1]—from newcomers...
Are Bribes Justified?
Have any EA interventions involved paying bribes to local officials, directly or indirectly? How would funders respond to a project that shows good evidence and great promise, but requires some allocation for "grease payments"?
There are major "Keep Calm and Carry On" vibes in this community to the the FTX situation; ends don't justify the means, no true EA would commit fraud etc. But there is some serious thinking and discussion required to understand when and to what extent actions considered unethical are acceptable in service of effective change.