In the Spotlight
Our Impact
Explore how the CEC’s work over the years has delivered tangible environmental and social outcomes across North America — from scientific studies that guided environmental standards, regulations and policies in Canada, Mexico and the United-States, to trinational conservation strategies, community grants and geospatial mapping projects. Whether you’re a policymaker, conservation expert, researcher or simply interested in North American environmental cooperation, this page offers a comprehensive overview of not only what the CEC has achieved — but how and why those efforts have unfolded.
Topics
Climate Change
Supporting emissions reduction and helping communities adapt to extreme weather events
Environmental Justice
The pursuit of environmental justice (EJ) aims to address historical inequities, marginalization and discrimination in how environmental benefits and burdens are enjoyed or suffered by certain communities.
Ecosystems
Working with communities to conserve and restore North America's terrestrial and marine ecosystems and priority species
Enforcement
Supporting enforcement and compliance with domestic environmental law and with multilateral environmental agreements
Sustainable Living and Economies
Advancing the sustainability of our economic activities and life choices by identifying and fostering alternatives that effectively integrate the environmental, social and economic dimensions for a just and resilient North America. Our work is organized around four main areas:
Pollutants
Promoting clean air, water and land through prevention, reductions, and sound management of pollutant releases, toxic chemicals and hazardous waste
Youth Engagement
Over the years, the CEC has been committed to youth engagement and the efforts supported have provided youth with opportunities to raise awareness, provide tangible, sustainable, and innovative solutions for environmental issues in their communities, and influence CEC’s strategies, projects, and initiatives.
Indigenous Affairs
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) recognizes the essential role that Indigenous Peoples and local communities play in environmental stewardship across Turtle Island, Madre Tierra, also known as North America.
Private Sector Engagement
The private sector plays a critical role in driving economic prosperity, innovation and sustainable development.
Featured Project
Tracking Pollutant Releases and Transfers in North America
Initiative Active Pollutants
Featured Publication
Engaging Indigenous Communities within Mexico in the Central Grasslands Roadmap
October 18, 2019 30 pages Ecosystems
This report documents a collaborative effort to engage Indigenous communities in northern Mexico within the framework of the Central Grasslands Roadmap. Through visits, dialogues and knowledge exchanges in 2023 and 2024, members of the Indigenous Kinship Circle (IKC), community leaders and local partners listened to community perspectives on cultural continuity, climate change, food security and the stewardship of grasslands and sacred places. Central to these conversations was the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer, language revitalization and the role of youth in sustaining cultural and ecological resilience.
This report is intended for Indigenous communities, organizations, policymakers and conservation partners. It shares community-identified needs, priorities and proposed strategies for resilience and cultural revitalization. By grounding conservation in Indigenous Knowledge Systems and lived realities, the report emphasizes reciprocal care for the land and underscores the value of equitable, Indigenous-led participation in shaping the future of the Central Grasslands.
What We Do
We conduct research, provide tools and training, and provide a unique space for decision-makers and the public to engage on environmental policy issues affecting the North American region.