Below are Cluster research projects and related initiatives.
A Partnership to Empower Local Communication and Action on Climate Change
(SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant, 2026)
Principal Investigator: Heidi Tworek
Collaborators and Research Associates: Chris Tenove; Emily Huddart; David Tindall; Laura Nelson
Partner Organization: Climate Caucus Council (a network of currently 650+ current and former local elected leaders working collectively to create and implement policy which aligns with Canada’s fair share of holding global temperature to 1.5°C).
Project Description:
This project aims to help local governments address misleading, toxic, and polarizing online communication related to climate policies. Through participatory action research with Climate Caucus and its network of local elected officials, the project will identify the forms and sources of these informational challenges, and co-create practical resources to design and evaluate communication and public engagement initiatives.
Improving Local Communication and Action on Climate Adaptation
(PICS Spark Grant, 2026)
Principal Investigator: Heidi Tworek
Collaborators: Chris Tenove; David Tindall; Laura Nelson; Emily Huddart; Mark Shakespear; Molly Langabeer
Partner Organization: Climate Caucus Council
Project Description:
This project investigates how policymakers can diagnose and address key “information harms” that undermine the development, implementation, and public understanding of climate adaptation and disaster response policies. It draws on an existing dataset of online climate discourse and insights from local politicians who are members of Climate Caucus.
Municipal Matters: Building Capacity for Local Climate Conversations
(Report, 2024)
Authors: Divija Madhani; Ghassan Hamzeh; Madalen Sides; Nicolas Côté; Chris Tenove; Heidi Tworek
Supporting Organization: Digital Citizens Initiative, Heritage Ministry (Canada)
Project Description:
This report examines the challenges of communication around local climate action, particularly where policies encounter false or misleading information—whether intentional (disinformation) or unintentional (misinformation). It analyzes the actors involved, the techniques used, and the impacts on policy development and implementation, and proposes a framework to support local governments in responding effectively.
Find more information on the report here