When we have the solutions, why are we still vulnerable? A 480-kilometre coastline makes Odisha one India’s most vulnerable states to extreme climate events, the occurrence of which has become more frequent in recent times. Every five years, the state faces a severe cyclone, while cyclonic storms of moderate intensity have almost become an annual feature associated with changing patterns of temperature and rainfall. Experts have been warning about Odisha’s proneness to extreme climate events, with some going as far as calling the state a potential “disaster capital” and “climate’s first orphan.” Odisha’s coastline is dotted by six of its most populous districts – Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Ganjam – that are home to 30% of the state’s population. Another 30% live in areas adjoining the coastal districts and are increasingly getting exposed to the coastal climate impacts. While disaster-preparedness seems to be the accepted, obvious and logical response, efforts to implement a consistent strategy continues to elude authorities and policymakers in the state. Simply put, how does one get the science, governance and institutions to align in such a way that it increases the effectiveness of preparedness? Should we see disaster preparedness as essentially a problem of science, ecological management or does it await political resolution as well ─ by strengthening the institutions to deliver preparedness? Watch what our panel of experts have to say — Live from a webinar Odisha Dialogues hosted on the World Environment Day 2021.