EA Wins 2023

Abstract

This piece highlights achievements in the effective altruism (EA) ecosystem during 2023. The World Health Organization recommended the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine for children, partially funded by Open Philanthropy, and its deployment is being expedited following advocacy efforts. The US Supreme Court upheld California’s Proposition 12, banning intensive cage confinement and sale of products from such systems, impacting millions of animals. AI safety gained mainstream recognition, leading to policy initiatives like the US Executive Order and international summits, along with technical advancements. Results from GiveDirectly’s universal basic income experiment in Kenya suggested lump-sum payments are more effective than monthly ones, without discouraging work. Cultivated meat was approved for sale in the US. USAID discontinued a controversial virus-hunting program due to biosecurity concerns. Additional EA wins included new charities by Charity Entrepreneurship, corporate cage-free pledges secured by animal welfare groups, and lead paint reduction successes in Malawi. – AI-generated abstract.