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.