We aren't ready.
We aren't ready enough for another massive fire or flood event.
Many Australians echo this sentiment.
During the 2019-2020 fires, 80% of the country was affected by smoke, drastically reducing air quality.
Living in a city doesn't exclude you from risk.
Four hundred fifty people (according to the CSIRO) are estimated to have died of smoke inhalation and effects after the fires, and we won't know the long-term impacts of this for many years to come.
This isn't someone else's problem.
But there is hope.
Our consultations with the community show how many grassroots projects are standing up to solve complex issues with localised energy grids, food banks, portable solar stations, and so much more.
Funding for recovery seems limited to 3-year cycles, which is not long enough to support these incredible grassroots projects, so despite the ingenuity and persistence of community groups, they are at risk of folding.
We must not ignore or under fund these projects.
They are critical for maintaining and building social cohesion and in the next weather event.
Their importance cannot be overstated.
The time for resourcing these initiatives is now.
#HowWeSurvive
