A snapshot of Canada’s climate communications community
In May 2024, Re.Climate surveyed our members to understand who they are, what they need and how they use our work. The results offer a national picture of Canada’s climate communications community—and clear evidence that Re.Climate’s research, training and resources are helping people communicate more effectively about climate change.
Respondents came from a wide range of sectors. The largest group work in non‑profit organizations (47 %), followed by people in federal, provincial and municipal governments (around 22%), with the remainder largely in academia or the private sector. Nearly a third have more than 10 years of professional communications experience, and another 23% have worked in the field for at least three years—showing a community that combines both experience and new energy.
How people use Re.Climate’s work
Re.Climate’s research and learning resources have become central tools for many professional communicators and are increasingly valued by others working on climate engagement across sectors. Among all respondents:
- 86 % have attended Re.Climate webinars,
- 40 % have read the annual Public Opinion Roll‑up,
- 29 % have used our guides or toolkits, and
- 12% have participated in a Re.Climate training workshop.
These results show that Re.Climate’s offerings are shaping the daily work of communicators across Canada.
Re.Climate’s services and webinars “make me feel connected to where Canadians are at now and what Canadians are moving towards in the climate space.”
—Survey respondent
The changes communicators are making in their work
Engagement leads to action. Among all respondents:
- Nearly half (48 %) said they updated their communication or engagement strategies after using Re.Climate resources.
- Another 8 % have incorporated climate change messaging into their work for the first time.
This is tangible evidence that learning and research are being applied—not just read.
How people describe Re.Climate’s impact
Respondents said Re.Climate’s support helps them feel more skilled, confident, informed and effective in their roles. Almost three-quarters (71%) said the resources are relevant or very relevant to their work, and many described feeling more connected to a national community of practice.
“I love the analysis you provide. It helps me understand the big picture, see behind the picture, and help with answering the Why questions.”
—Survey respondent
Spotlight: Non‑profit communicators
Communicators working for non-profits make up almost half (47%) of Re.Climate’s network.
- Who they are: Non-profit respondents reported being active in climate change communications (80%), climate change advocacy (45%), and public engagement (59%). Many non-profit respondents work in small organizations; over half (54%) reported working for organizations with fewer than 10 staff.
- How they engage with Re.Climate: High webinar participation (over 90%) and strong interest in Re.Climate’s annual Public Opinion Roll-up and analysis of national media coverage of climate change and energy (52% read both reports). 41% have used Re.Climate’s guides or toolkits.
- Practice change: Non-profit communicators reported updating their climate communications or engagement strategies (67%) and incorporating new messaging approaches (23%) after engaging with Re.Climate resources.
Non-profits often run the on-the-ground outreach that reaches voters, volunteers and local leaders. Supporting their capacity with practical tools amplifies impact across communities.
Spotlight: Government communicators
Among the survey participants were public servants representing every level of government. They form one of the most active and engaged groups in Re.Climate’s network (22%).
- Who they are: Mostly municipal (75%), with provincial (35%) and federal (10%) representation. Many work in climate policy, climate communications and public engagement.
- How they engage with Re.Climate: 94% attended Re.Climate webinars; 56% read the Public Opinion Roll‑up; 50% read the national media analysis; 39% used Re.Climate guides or toolkits. These high rates show public servants make heavy use of Re.Climate’s research and training.
- Practice change: 69% reported updating communications strategies after engaging with Re.Climate, an important sign that our work contributes to organizational change inside government. 6% said they incorporated climate messaging into their communications for the first time.
- Re.Climate’s impact: All respondents (100%) reported finding Re.Climate’s services and resources relevant to their work. Respondents described feeling more confident and better informed, emphasizing how evidence‑based guidance makes their public communications more effective.
Public servants are often the trusted channel for explaining programs, funding and local impacts. When they apply evidence-based messaging, public-facing communications are clearer and more likely to drive constructive engagement and support for climate action.
Why it matters
Communicators play a critical role in helping Canadians understand the opportunities and challenges of climate action. Re.Climate’s approach—blending research, training and collaborative learning—helps turn insight into impact.
These survey results show that investment in evidence-based climate communications and engagement pays off: communicators across Canada are using Re.Climate’s tools to make climate conversations more accessible, accurate and motivating.
As we look ahead to 2025, Re.Climate will continue to expand its programming, develop practical toolkits and strengthen partnerships across sectors—ensuring that everyone working to communicate climate action has the support and evidence they need to succeed.
