The chapter introduces the main aims, contents, and structure of the book. By adopting a perspective stemming from critical disaster studies, environmental justice, and political ecology, the chapter clarifies the need for more complex and diachronic understanding of extreme events, going beyond immediate responses and technical solutions. Critical theory, as originated in the fields of geography, urban and disaster studies is therefore a paramount tool to understand and live in contemporary crises. The chapter underlines the fundamental socio-spatial dimensions and effects of disasters, often not considered by more traditional studies on the topic. By briefly introducing case studies that will be extensively developed in the subsequent parts of the book, the chapter anticipates the frequent use of post-disaster responses to consolidate forms of socio-environmental violence and injustice. Eventually, the chapter emphasises the need to decolonise disaster studies by incorporating locally produced forms of knowledge and response to extreme events.