Climate Communications
Building climate resilience requires ongoing climate conversations. Whether raising awareness about impacts, assessing risks and vulnerabilities, or implementing actions, the way we have these conversations is key to inspiring action within our communities. After all, for people to know about climate change isn’t enough. They need to care and be motivated to take action whether this is at the household, neighbourhood, or municipal scale.
To achieve this level of engagement, the way we talk about climate action needs to resonate on an emotional level. We don’t necessarily need more information—we need to use plain language, storytelling, and work with trusted messengers. We need to make sure people from all walks of life understand how climate change impacts their life, their values, and identities. And we need to present solutions in an accessible, attractive, and actionable way. ORCCA’s Climate Communications Program is designed to help local practitioners and community leaders do this by approaching climate communication from an action-oriented perspective that integrates behavioural insights.

Climate Communications Toolkit
The Climate Communications Toolkit is designed for local practitioners and community leaders looking to use communications to support the implementation of climate action and build better, more resilient communities. More specifically, it reflects the reality that it is not enough for people to know about climate change—they need to be inspired and motivated to take action. The toolkit provides practical strategies, resources, and training opportunities needed to incorporate behavioural insights into climate communications and drive action.
Climate Communications Playbook
Climate Communications Playbook: Behavioural Strategies for Community Action introduces actionable approaches and strategies for creating action-oriented communications campaigns that incorporate behavioural science insights.
Climate Communications Case Stories
A series of case stories have been compiled to exemplify how behavioural communications strategies presented in Climate Communications Playbook: Behavioural Strategies for Community Action can be used to support climate action.
Climate Communications Training Series
This three-week online training series is an opportunity to dive into behavioural communications strategies, put concepts into practice through engaging activities, and walk away with actionable insights that can be put into practice right away.
Additional Resources
The strategies, resources, and training in the Climate Communications Toolkit are meant to serve as a practical starting point for integrating behavioural insights into climate communications. For those wishing to dive deeper, you can explore the additional resources listed on the toolkit web page.
Climate Communications Training Series
Join us for this training series, designed as a practical companion to unpack and practice the strategies included in the forthcoming Climate Communications Toolkit. Whether you are new to communications or looking to sharpen your skills, this three-week online training series is an opportunity to dive into practical strategies to support climate resilience in the Great Lakes and Ontario.
The training series is offered by ICLEI Canada through ORCCA as a companion to the forthcoming Climate Communications Toolkit. Each week, you will:
- Dive into behavioural communications concepts, approaches, and strategies that drive action;
- Develop and/or sharpen your communication skills through facilitated activities; and,
- Take away insights you can start putting into practice right away.
By the end of the series, you will have the tools, practical knowledge, and confidence to design communications campaigns that support local climate action.
The three-week training is designed as a learning journey where each week builds on learnings from the previous one. Can’t commit to the full three-week training? No problem. You will gain valuable insights from any individual session and will have access to recordings from previous sessions—but if you can, we highly encourage you to attend all three sessions.
Space is limited and registration is required for each week. The training will be delivered online in English.
Week 1: Behavioural strategies to inspire climate action (FULL)
Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm EST
This session is full. Please join our email list to receive a link to the recording and be the first to know about future climate communications trainings and other opportunities.
Week 2: The art of messaging and storytelling (FULL)
Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm EST
This session is full. Please join our email list to receive a link to the recording and be the first to know about future climate communications trainings and other opportunities.
Week 3: Optimize your communications for better results (ALMOST FULL)
Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 1:30 to 3:00 pm EST
Limisted spaces available! Register or join our email list to receive a link to the recording and be the first to know about future climate communications trainings and other opportunities.
Our Other Programs
ORCCA programs are designed using a cohort approach where groups work on similar issues while receiving direct technical support from the ORCCA team.
Staff Capacity Program
The Staff Capacity Program supports adaptation efforts throughout Ontario by connecting participants with ORCCA staff to receive direct support. The Program provides staff support towards a defined task for a predetermined set of hours over a one-year period. By providing staff capacity, this Program enables participants to complete a climate adaptation project that would otherwise be unrealized due to insufficient capacity or expertise.
Community Outreach & Engagement Program
ORCCA is committed to fostering community engagement and mobilizing citizens to contribute to local climate resilience building. Through our Community Outreach and Engagement Program, we provide support to Ontario communities in developing their own initiative aimed at addressing vulnerabilities and enhancing resilience. Participating municipalities receive training, access to experts, targeted resources, and general support to establish their volunteer programs tailored to their community’s specific needs.