Peter Singer joined ABC Radio Melbourne’s Conversation Hour this week for a 21-minute conversation, recorded during a visit to Melbourne for a discussion on philanthropy and measurable impact, and at a moment, he noted, when global aid funding is being cut and the need for effective giving is greater than ever.
Singer made the case for donating to charities with a demonstrated track record, rather than ones that simply make donors feel good. He argued that geographic proximity shouldn’t determine who we choose to help, pointing out that most Australians already have access to safe water, free education, and a social security system — things much of the world goes without.
The conversation also touched on a caller’s story about a man who hadn’t eaten in three days, which the host raised as a counterpoint; Singer acknowledged the value of local support while maintaining that, dollar for dollar, giving often does more good directed toward extreme poverty overseas.
He spoke about how The Life You Can Save evaluates and recommends charities — favoring smaller, focused organizations like the Against Malaria Foundation and Sanku, which are easier to assess for cost-effectiveness than larger, multi-program charities. He also discussed his newer initiative, the Profit for Good Alliance, which encourages companies to pledge at least 10% of profits to effective charities, citing Australian examples like Humanitix and Who Gives A Crap.
Asked about the personal side of living by his own philosophy, Singer reflected on donating his $1 million Berggruen Prize in full, and noted that The Life You Can Save has helped direct $140 million to effective charities since it was founded around 2012. He also discussed broader concerns about the direction of global politics and international law, before turning to lighter territory — his upcoming 80th birthday, plans for a family holiday within Australia, and what continues to motivate him after five decades of work on poverty and animal welfare.
Listen to the full conversation here or below.
