What are secondary effects?

Secondary effects are unintended consequences that occur as a result of a primary action or decision, often in unexpected or opposite ways from the intended outcomes. For instance, Tobi Lütke discusses how the environmentalists' advocacy against nuclear power led to the increased use of coal and oil, contributing significantly to climate change. This demonstrates how a positive intention (environmental protection) can result in a negative secondary effect (increased carbon emissions and climate change). Additionally, the aggression by Russia toward Ukraine led to a secondary effect of countries reassessing their energy policies, which could potentially help solve climate change 1 .