The worry
One of the most serious objections is: "What if, by trying to help, we end up making things worse in the long run?" The author agrees this is an important worry, but makes three points.
1. A contradiction
It makes no sense to say both of these at once:
- "we don't know what will happen in the long run";
- "we know that letting nature take its course is better in the long run."
If we don't know, then we don't know that doing nothing is better either.
2. Some kinds of help have worked for decades
Several interventions have been done for a long time and have helped many animals, without the bad effects the objection fears. For example, vaccination campaigns for wild animals.
3. Research reduces uncertainty
The more we invest in studying the issue, the better our chances of understanding the long-term consequences and finding the best ways to help. Uncertainty is a reason to do more research, not to give up.
In short
- If we don't know the future, we don't know that doing nothing is better either.
- Some kinds of help have worked for decades.
- More research improves our chances of getting it right.