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
Submissions on Enforcement Matters: What Have We Learned?
A Retrospective Review of Performance
March 14, 2025 99 pages Enforcement
This report assesses the performance and impact of the Submissions on Enforcement Matters (SEM) process from 1994 through 2021. The SEM process allows persons and nongovernmental organizations to file submissions with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation asserting that Canada, the United States of America, or Mexico is failing to effectively enforce its environmental laws and provides procedures for developing information concerning the asserted enforcement matters. The SEM process operated under the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation (NAAEC) from 1994 to June 2020 and now operates under the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA/CUSMA) since July 2020. This report considers the objectives of the SEM process, its legal foundations, its implementation over time, and its results. The report considers the role of the process in promoting transparency, accountability, and public participation, as well as whether it has met its expected environmental objectives.
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.