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
Strengthening Evidence-Based Collaborative Monarch Butterfly Conservation
2025 Active Ecosystems
Featured Publication
Milestone Study on Paper Waste Management in the US and Canada — Executive Summary
Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in the US and Canada
March 14, 2025 16 pages Sustainable Living and Economies
The CEC has commissioned this series of three milestone studies as part of its “Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in North America” project, with the goal of supporting Canada, Mexico and the United States in their efforts to promote circular economy and sustainable materials management approaches to encourage eco-design and increase product and material reuse, recovery and recycling rates.
These studies aim for better understanding of the opportunities in the recycling sector and secondary material markets for plastics, paper and bioplastics waste. These studies focus on Canada and the United States, and a separate set of studies focused on Mexico will be available in the coming months. Building on the results of these milestone studies and on input by key actors, a joint pilot project is currently underway in Canada and the United States with the purpose of assessing the feasibility of innovative technologies, policies and practices that can be adopted at scale across North America.
The complete report is available in English only, but you can consult the executive summary in English, Spanish, and French.
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.