This article presents a theoretical-conceptual approach for the
communication of societal adaptation to the consequences of global climate
change. Next to the dominating issues of prevention and mitigation (e.g. reduction
of CO2 emissions) as well as restoration (e.g. reforestation) there is a growing
awareness of the need for adaptation. Because of the societal and factual complexity
of adaptation strategies, communication has a pivotal role to play. However, so
far there has been too little done to conceptualize and analyze adaptation-oriented
communication. Based on established approaches – disaster, risk and sustainability
communication – the integrative concept of ‘adaptation communication’ is developed
and discussed