Another summer of extreme weather has destroyed and damaged homes, cut off communities and, in the most tragic cases, left families mourning their loved ones.

It reminds us that New Zealand is one of the most natural-hazard-exposed countries on Earth. Severe weather is common, major cities sit in low-lying areas and steep landscapes are prone to landslips.

Added to these risks are earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, storm surges, tsunami, drought and wildfires. As the climate continues to change, many of these hazards are likely to pose an even greater risk to people and property.

Amid January’s storms, there was public grief for those who perished – and genuine gratitude for the emergency responders, marae and neighbours who stepped in to help.

The events also reignited discussion about what we learn from disasters, the role of science and trusted agencies, and what can be done to reduce harm before the next event strikes.

Indeed, this summer’s experience, and a building body of research, tell us there are clear lessons to be learned – if we are willing to act on them.

Natural hazards can emerge slowly as accumulated stress, or arrive suddenly as an acute shock. Disasters, on the other hand, occur only when hazards intersect with people, infrastructure and decisions. This is why disasters are not just physical phenomena, but social processes.

Natural hazards and resilience research consistently shows that how information is communicated, decisions are made and........

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