AI Safety
AI may be developing faster than society is prepared to handle.
Read about organizations reducing the risks of advanced AI and helping ensure that AI systems benefit humanity.
If you're just arriving, start here.
Some problems effective altruism focuses on
People who use EA principles tend to work on big problems that others are overlooking, where real progress can be made. Different people reach different conclusions about what to focus on, and work across many different areas. Read more about some of these problems, why people chose them, and the progress they've made.
Global Health & Development
About 800 million people live in extreme poverty, and millions die each year from diseases we already know how to prevent.
Read about the non-profits working on preventing those deaths, and the 300,000+ lives they’ve saved so far.
Animal Welfare
Billions of animals are currently suffering in factory farms.
Read about the work to reduce animal suffering, including efforts that have spared hundreds of millions of hens from cages.
Pandemic Preparedness
It’s possible that we could face another pandemic far more lethal than COVID-19.
Read about the organizations that have been working on pandemic preparedness since 2016.
Cause areas
Don’t see what you’re looking for?
Different people reach different conclusions about what to focus on, and work across many different areas. Read more about some of these problems, why people chose them, and the progress they've made.
EA
Stories
Stories from people inspired by EA
Meet people from all kinds of backgrounds applying the ideas of effective altruism in their careers, giving, and everyday lives.
Watch their stories
Resources for learning
Below are several ways to explore the ideas behind effective altruism, depending on how deep you want to go and your preferred learning style.
View all resources
Intro essay
A more in-depth, 30-minute read introducing EA’s key ideas and principles
This essay covers questions like: What is effective altruism, and why does it matter? What does it look like in practice? Why prioritize some issues over others? What principles unite the movement? And how can you take action?
EA handbook
A fuller collection of essays, for going deep on any thread that interests you
A structured library of popular essays about doing good effectively, empathy, the future, AI, intellectual humility, and more. It's set up as a self-paced course, but you can pick and choose which essays to read.
Videos, books, and podcasts
A range of formats for exploring these ideas at your own pace
Whether you're new to effective altruism or have some familiarity with the ideas, you can find something here.
Cohort-based courses
Free, guided programs for those who prefer structured learning
A suite of free online courses for newcomers and for those already familiar with the basics. Courses include a weekly online meeting and curated readings. Past participants often say they valued the group experience of learning with others.
FAQs
Do you have a question about effective altruism you'd like clarity on? Or an objection to EA? Read answers to frequently asked questions, common misconceptions, and criticisms of effective altruism.
Read the full FAQs page
