Ed Yong: The Pandemic Chronicler and the Power of Presence
The Covid Chronicler: From Reporting to Burnout
Ed Yong, a renowned science journalist and author, skyrocketed to prominence during the Covid-19 pandemic as one of the earliest and most trusted chroniclers of the virus and its far-reaching implications. His reporting for The Atlantic not only earned him a Pulitzer Prize but also established him as a key public interpreter of the pandemic, particularly in his groundbreaking coverage of long Covid. However, the intensity of his work came at a great personal cost. By mid-2023, Yong realized he had exhausted himself, leading him to step away from his prestigious role at The Atlantic. His decision marked a turning point, as he sought new ways to recharge and find meaning beyond the relentless demands of pandemic journalism.
Yong’s journey through the pandemic was not just about reporting; it was deeply personal. He often grappled with feelings of burnout, though he dislikes the term. For Yong, the experience was more akin to "moral injury," a concept he borrowed from healthcare workers he interviewed. This "moral injury" stemmed from the gaping chasm between the world as it should be and the world as it is. Journalists like Yong, who immersed themselves in the stories of those suffering, often found themselves questioning their ability to continue. Yong recalls moments of self-doubt, asking himself if he had the right to feel overwhelmed when so many others were enduring far worse. Yet, he acknowledges that the feelings were real and valid. Empathy, he argues, is at the core of journalism, and the weight of that empathy cannot be dismissed.
The Lasting Impact of Covid and the Threat of Neglect
Even as society begins to move on, Yong remains cautious about Covid-19. He continues to wear masks at public events and advises others to do the same, not just for his own health but for the safety of those around him, particularly immunocompromised individuals. He references the "panic-neglect cycle," a pattern he’s observed in global health crises. During a crisis, resources and attention surge, only to dwindle once the immediate threat recedes, leaving societies unprepared for the next disaster. Yong sees this cycle playing out with Covid-19 and fears it will repeat with future pandemics, such as a potential bird flu outbreak.
While Yong avoids speculating on the likelihood of a bird flu pandemic, he emphasizes that such threats should be taken seriously. The infrastructure for pandemic preparedness remains woefully inadequate, and societal trust in institutions and one another has eroded further since 2020. The lessons of Covid-19, Yong argues, have not been learned, leaving the world alarmingly vulnerable to future crises.
Birding: A Path to Transcendence
In the midst of burnout and existential dread, Yong found an unexpected source of solace: birding. What began as casual curiosity during his move to Oakland in 2023 blossomed into a life-changing passion. He recalls his first intentional birding trip to Arrowhead Marsh, a wetland near his new home, as a transformative experience. Witnessing the vibrant behaviors and intricate lives of birds, Yong felt a profound sense of presence and connection to the natural world. Birding for Yong is not escapism; it is a way to engage deeply with the world, blending academic knowledge with lived experience.
Birding has also influenced his work. Yong’s next book, The Infinite Extent, explores life at different scales, from the microscopic to the monumental, and from the fleeting existence of a mayfly to the millennia-long lives of bristlecone pines. Through birding, he has gained a new appreciation for the interconnectedness of life and the humbling realization of how much of the world remains beyond human perception.
Finding Hope in the Face of Existential Dread
Despite the heavy themes he grapples with—pandemics, environmental degradation, and societal dysfunction—Yong remains anchored by a sense of hope. He draws inspiration from figures like Mariame Kaba, who views hope as a discipline, and Paul Farmer, who fought against overwhelming odds. Yong also reflects on the Stockdale paradox, which combines brutal realism with indomitable hope. These ideas help him navigate the tension between despair and resilience.
For Yong, connecting with nature and fostering a sense of wonder are essential counterbalances to the existential threats of our time. Birding and science writing allow him to radiate his attention outward, resisting the inward pull of modern life’s challenges. While he acknowledges the weight of moral injury, he finds solace in the magic of the natural world—a reminder that, even in the darkest moments, there is beauty and meaning to be found.
The Cosmic Dance: A Scientist’s Delight
In his current research, Yong has been captivated by the iridescence of hummingbirds. He marvels at how their feathers, through tiny structural arrangements, create vivid colors that shift with the angle of light. This blend of scientific detail and experiential wonder encapsulates his approach to storytelling. For Yong, the natural world is a tapestry of awe-inspiring phenomena, each thread weaving together to create a larger picture of life’s complexity and beauty.
As he delves deeper into his work, Yong continues to explore the infinite extent of life, scaling from the microscopic to the cosmic. His writing and birding are not just pursuits; they are practices of presence, hope, and resilience in a world teetering on the edge of crisis. In the end, Yong’s story is one of finding light in the darkness, reminding us that even in the face of uncertainty, the world remains a place of profound and abiding wonder.