The article discusses the need to re-conceptualize climate change adaptation as part of pathways of change and response. Current adaptation efforts have focused on incremental actions addressing proximate causes, with limited reports of systemic or transformative actions. The authors argue that adaptation pathways should be broadened to consider path dependency, interactions between adaptation plans, vested interests, and global change, as well as situations where values, interests, or institutions constrain societal responses. This reconceptualization aims to inform decision-makers about integrating incremental actions with transformative aspects of societal change. Case studies illustrate the implications of this broader conceptualization. The paper calls for further exploration of theory, methods, and procedures to operationalize this broader conceptualization of adaptation. It emphasizes the importance of considering the interplay between knowledge, values, power, and agency in dynamic, complex, and contested contexts. The article highlights the need for a paradigm shift in adaptation research and practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing systemic causes of vulnerability. It also discusses the implications of current adaptation approaches, which often focus on risk reduction and fail to address the systemic drivers of vulnerability. The authors propose a broader conceptualization of adaptation pathways that incorporates the dynamics of social-ecological systems and the need for transformative change. The paper concludes with a call for further research and development of decision-oriented approaches to adaptation, emphasizing the importance of integrating adaptation with mitigation and development. The broader conceptualization of adaptation pathways is presented as a way to better understand and inform adaptation research and practice, particularly in the context of global change. The article highlights the importance of considering the interdependencies between institutions, values, and knowledge in adaptation decision-making. It also emphasizes the need for a shift in framing adaptation as part of pathways of change and response, rather than as a separate issue. The authors argue that this broader conceptualization is necessary to address the complex and uncertain nature of future change and to ensure that adaptation efforts are effective and sustainable. The paper concludes with a call for further exploration of this conceptualization and its application to ongoing and dynamic adaptation action.The article discusses the need to re-conceptualize climate change adaptation as part of pathways of change and response. Current adaptation efforts have focused on incremental actions addressing proximate causes, with limited reports of systemic or transformative actions. The authors argue that adaptation pathways should be broadened to consider path dependency, interactions between adaptation plans, vested interests, and global change, as well as situations where values, interests, or institutions constrain societal responses. This reconceptualization aims to inform decision-makers about integrating incremental actions with transformative aspects of societal change. Case studies illustrate the implications of this broader conceptualization. The paper calls for further exploration of theory, methods, and procedures to operationalize this broader conceptualization of adaptation. It emphasizes the importance of considering the interplay between knowledge, values, power, and agency in dynamic, complex, and contested contexts. The article highlights the need for a paradigm shift in adaptation research and practice, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing systemic causes of vulnerability. It also discusses the implications of current adaptation approaches, which often focus on risk reduction and fail to address the systemic drivers of vulnerability. The authors propose a broader conceptualization of adaptation pathways that incorporates the dynamics of social-ecological systems and the need for transformative change. The paper concludes with a call for further research and development of decision-oriented approaches to adaptation, emphasizing the importance of integrating adaptation with mitigation and development. The broader conceptualization of adaptation pathways is presented as a way to better understand and inform adaptation research and practice, particularly in the context of global change. The article highlights the importance of considering the interdependencies between institutions, values, and knowledge in adaptation decision-making. It also emphasizes the need for a shift in framing adaptation as part of pathways of change and response, rather than as a separate issue. The authors argue that this broader conceptualization is necessary to address the complex and uncertain nature of future change and to ensure that adaptation efforts are effective and sustainable. The paper concludes with a call for further exploration of this conceptualization and its application to ongoing and dynamic adaptation action.