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
Using the World Cup and Large-Scale Events to Raise Awareness About the Importance of Reducing Food Waste
2025 Active Sustainable Living and Economies
Featured Publication
Monitoring Change in North America’s Central Grasslands
A Synthesis of Grassland Inventories from Canada, Mexico and the United States
May 5, 2025 52 pages Ecosystems
Grassland loss is one of the most pressing conservation challenges in North America, yet the ability to track this change is complicated by the diversity of existing monitoring systems. This report reviews 33 grassland inventories across Canada, Mexico and the United States, drawing on a literature review and expert workshops held in 2023 and 2024. It highlights differences in definitions, methodologies and accuracy assessments, as well as opportunities to advance consistency through data sharing, collaborative networks and the integration of new technologies and Traditional Ecological Knowledge.
This report is intended for policymakers, researchers, land managers and conservation practitioners. It provides a trinational overview of current monitoring efforts, identifies challenges and best practices and offers recommendations for building a community of practice to improve standardization and deliver a clear, science-based message on grassland loss and conservation needs across North America.
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.