In the Spotlight
Tiohtià:ke (Montreal), 23 July 2026—The International Monarch Monitoring Blitz is just around the corner! From 31 July to 9 August 2026, we invite everyone across North America to head outside and search for monarch butterflies and milkweed plants.
Supporting emissions reduction and helping communities adapt to extreme weather events
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.
Working with communities to conserve and restore North America's terrestrial and marine ecosystems and priority species
Supporting enforcement and compliance with domestic environmental law and with multilateral environmental agreements
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:
Promoting clean air, water and land through prevention, reductions, and sound management of pollutant releases, toxic chemicals and hazardous waste
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.
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.
The private sector plays a critical role in driving economic prosperity, innovation and sustainable development.
Featured Project
North America is experiencing a diverse array of socio-environmental and economic challenges due to ecosystem degradation and climate change. These challenges disproportionately affect systemically vulnerable communities, including Indigenous communities and minority groups. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that recognizes the region’s economic, ecological, cultural and social diversity. Sustainable...
Featured Publication
Strengthening Understanding and Spatial Protection Through Collaboration
Sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras are among the most vulnerable marine species globally, with many populations experiencing significant decline due to overfishing, habitat degradation, and a lack of effective management. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) offer a promising tool for spatial conservation of these species, particularly when design is informed by shark biology, movement patterns, and life history characteristics, and when socioeconomic factors are considered.
To strengthen understanding and collaboration related to this topic in the Northeast Pacific, the Commission for Environmental Cooperation hosted two workshops that convened shark scientists and MPA practitioners from Canada, Mexico, and the United States in 2024 and 2025. This workshop report synthesizes the perspectives and insights of workshop participants, drawing attention to the importance of multidisciplinary and cross-jurisdictional collaboration.
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.
