The article discusses the need for transformational adaptation in response to climate change when incremental adaptations are insufficient. Transformational adaptations are defined as those that are adopted at a larger scale, are truly new to a region or resource system, and transform places or shift locations. Examples from Africa, Europe, and North America illustrate these adaptations. Two conditions set the stage for transformational adaptation: large vulnerability in certain regions, populations, or resource systems, and severe climate change that threatens to overwhelm even robust human-environment systems. However, implementing anticipatory transformational adaptation is challenging due to uncertainties about risks and benefits, high costs, and institutional and behavioral barriers. The authors suggest that initiating and sustaining transformational adaptation requires external drivers such as focusing events and multiple stresses, local leadership, supportive social contexts, and the availability of acceptable options and resources. Early steps include incorporating transformational adaptation into risk management frameworks and expanding the menu of innovative transformational adaptations through research.The article discusses the need for transformational adaptation in response to climate change when incremental adaptations are insufficient. Transformational adaptations are defined as those that are adopted at a larger scale, are truly new to a region or resource system, and transform places or shift locations. Examples from Africa, Europe, and North America illustrate these adaptations. Two conditions set the stage for transformational adaptation: large vulnerability in certain regions, populations, or resource systems, and severe climate change that threatens to overwhelm even robust human-environment systems. However, implementing anticipatory transformational adaptation is challenging due to uncertainties about risks and benefits, high costs, and institutional and behavioral barriers. The authors suggest that initiating and sustaining transformational adaptation requires external drivers such as focusing events and multiple stresses, local leadership, supportive social contexts, and the availability of acceptable options and resources. Early steps include incorporating transformational adaptation into risk management frameworks and expanding the menu of innovative transformational adaptations through research.