Should GMOs (e.g. golden rice) be a cause area?

Abstract

The article discusses the potential for genetically modified organisms (GMOs), particularly golden rice, to be a cause area for effective altruism (EA). The author argues that although the death toll from Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is smaller than for other diseases such as malaria, there is still a significant number of people suffering from VAD. While golden rice has the potential to address this deficiency, the author suggests that it is unlikely to be as cost-effective as the top-rated charities supported by GiveWell. Nevertheless, the author argues that GMOs have broader potential applications in addressing malnutrition and other issues such as climate change and pest resistance, and that EA organizations could play a role in advancing this technology. The author suggests areas where EA organizations could focus, including advocating for the legalization of GMOs, working with organizations opposed to GMOs, educating the public about GMOs, and facilitating the distribution of GMOs. – AI-generated abstract.