Ready for anything: How to prepare for the next pandemic

Welcome back, summer travelers.

Join Atlanta Effective Altruists for our September 2024 meeting! Last time, we held a book club discussion of "The Dictator's Handbook: Why Bad Behavior is Almost Always Good Politics" by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith in Freedom Park.

This time, we'll gather at Brash Coffee in the Atlanta History center to share ideas around building personal response plans for the next potential pandemic.

We'll explore some of the following topics together:

• How to find and test sources of valuable information, including H5N1 disease forecasts
• How to define your own risk tolerance and develop a consistent approach
• How to minimize life disruption, supplies purchased, etc. while still achieving your safety goals
• How to make scenario-based plans so that even if situations change rapidly, you'll still be prepared

Bring your top uncertainties, a friend/partner, and something to write on. We'll buy your coffee and provide an upbeat, go-mode environment.

Optional background:
H5N1 watch: Prediction markets are trading at 9% for a 2024 human-to-human outbreak of the deadly, highly contagious virus. Disease researchers are calling for measurement and preparation. – Metaculus; NPR

Effective Altruism Atlanta
We’re a community of Atlantans using evidence and reason to address the world’s most pressing problems. Our members are from all corners of the city and have a wide range of personal beliefs – what unites us is our passion to use our time and resources effectively.

What does Effective Altruism look like?

• Focusing on problems that are important, neglected, and tractable
• Using our our careers and donations as a springboard for social impact
• Increasing well-being for everyone, including animals
• Understanding how major technological advances will shape the future and how to reduce catastrophic risks