At the global scale, the frequency, extent and severity of natural disasters have increased notably over the last several years. As a result, economic losses from weather- and climate-related disasters have increased. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events, which, without reductions in vulnerability, will increase the risk of disasters. Southern Africa is widely recognised as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, because of low levels of adaptive capacity, particularly among rural communities. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi is in conversation with South African Weather Services Senior Manager: Disaster Risk Reduction, Rudzani Malala, Head of National Disaster Management Centre, Dr. Elias Sithole and Climate Scientist at the University of Cape Town.