In a world increasingly besieged by disasters, Kate Brady addresses whether we are ready for what comes after. She paints a stark picture of the escalating frequency and intensity of calamities, from bushfires to cyclones. Brady challenges us to consider whether our current strategies are sufficient and calls for a radical shift in how we approach disaster recovery.

She emphasises the need for community-led approaches, proactive planning for the aftermath of disasters, and innovative solutions to withstand future crises. The increased frequency of disasters as a result of climate change is a wake-up call, Brady urges us all to rethink our disaster recovery mechanisms before it's too late.

Progress? is a UNSW Centre for Ideas project, with illustrations designed by Lucy Klippan, video production by AVI and All things All Creatures, and podcast production by Matt Sladen and Kara Jensen-MacKinnon.