This article explores the theoretical role of hope in achieving justice in adaptation in the context of the climate crisis. The relationship between justice and hope has not received extensive attention from political theorists. Yet the work of Darrell Moellendorf and Catriona McKinnon anticipates the potential of the value of hope, both at the individual and societal level, in contributing to justice. The article suggests that up to date, uncertainty has been the main defining characteristic of the future. This has led attention to focus on scientific and expert knowledge. Consequently, the voices of those affected by climate change remain unheard. Therefore, such conception of the future need to be complemented by other characteristics that coincide with justice concerns and take into account a variety of narratives. Hope is put forward as a potential concept, arguing that theorising about the future as hope would: place the human aspect of climate change at the centre of the debate, enhance human agency and open up conceptions of the future. Therefore, the article concludes that hope has great value in contributing towards climate justice in adaptation and invites political theorists to explore the different ways in which that might be the case.
