The research assessed interpretations of system transformation in climate change and development circles, as well as types of participatory processes, in order to better understand the potential for pathways to adaptation. The scale and speed of climate change events require systemic and behavioural changes that are major departures from current mindsets. Universal principles of social justice, human rights and Sustainable Development Goals could serve as pillars of reference against which to consider the implications of possible transformations. Existing power imbalances in climate governance structures at local to global levels demonstrate that power relations need re-balancing.UK Government’s Department for International Development (DfID