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
Scoping: Uptake of Best Practices for Environmentally Sound Management of Spent Lead-Acid Batteries
2024 Active Sustainable Living and Economies
Featured Publication
Alberta Tailings Ponds II: Factual Record
North American Environmental Law and Policy, Volume 36
November 30, 2025 208 pages Enforcement
On 26 June 2017, Environmental Defence Canada and the Natural Resources Defense Council (based in the United States), along with Canadian resident Daniel T’seleie (the “Submitters”), filed SEM-17-001 (Alberta Tailings Ponds II) (hereinafter the “Submission”) with the Secretariat. The Submitters assert that the Government of Canada (“Canada”) is failing to enforce the pollution prevention provisions of the federal Fisheries Act with respect to alleged leaking of deleterious substances, and specifically oil sands processed water (OSPW), from tailings ponds of oil sands operations in northeastern Alberta. On 20 August 2018 in Council Resolution 18-01, the CEC Council unanimously instructed the Secretariat to develop a factual record for submission SEM-17-001 (see paragraphs 6-24, below).
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.