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
Transforming Recycling and Solid Waste Management in North America
2021 Active Sustainable Living and Economies
Featured Publication
Metrobús Reforma
Factual Record Regarding Submission SEM-18-002
January 31, 2022 108 pages Enforcement
On 1 July 2020, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA or “the Agreement”) and the Environmental Cooperation Agreement (ECA) entered into force. Pursuant to ECA Article 2(3), the CEC “will continue to operate under the modalities in place as of entry into force of [the ECA].” This factual record was prepared in conformity with the provisions of NAAEC Article 15.
On 2 February 2018, the organizations Academia Mexicana de Derecho Ambiental, A.C. and La Voz de Polanco, A.C. (hereinafter, the “Submitters”) filed a submission with the Secretariat in accordance with Article 14(1) of the Agreement. The Submitters assert that the approvals, permits, and concessions for the project to build line 7 of the Metrobús Reforma Mass Transit Corridor (Corredor de Transporte Público Colectivo de Pasajeros Metrobús Reforma) (hereinafter, “Metrobús Reforma project”), developed by the Mexico City government (CDMX), were granted “opaquely and unlawfully.” They contend in particular that the legally prescribed procedure for environmental impact assessment of the Metrobús Reforma project, now completed and being operated by the Mexico City authorities, was not followed.
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.