We live in an ecosystem that allows viruses to cross from wildlife to humans more often and spread farther and faster than ever before—that has led to many emerging diseases, including probably SARS-CoV-2. But this new coronavirus also emerged in an information ecosystem that helps misinformation and lies spread faster than scientific evidence, weakening our ability to respond to new threats. How has journalism handled these twin challenges? How does good information triumph over bad information? What are the lessons we need to take from this pandemic?
Biography
Kai Kupferschmidt is a science journalist based in Berlin. He works as contributing correspondent for the journal “Science” covering infectious diseases and other topics. He also writes for various German media outlets and together with two colleague produces a German podcast dedicated to infectious diseases and global health called “Pandemia”. His most recent book on the science of the color blue is coming out in English this summer.