JPAC Advice on Reaching Horizon 2030: An Environmental Outlook for North American Cooperation
Following an online public consultation and the Public Forum held in Mexico City, Mexico, on 4–5 December 2024, the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) submitted an Advice to the CEC Council on the implementation of the CEC’s “Reaching Horizon 2030” (H-2030) initiative.
During the consultation and the Public Forum, JPAC gathered insights and input from a wide array of voices from all sectors of society on strategies to enhance efforts in North America to meet key international climate, pollution and biodiversity targets by 2030.
Ranging from data accessibility to sustainable transportation, JPAC provided recommendations in seven key areas. These included enhancing the roles of subnational governments in climate action and conservation, amplifying the presence of youth and underrepresented voices in environmental solutions and strengthening innovative financing mechanisms.
The Advice also includes the 2024 CEC Youth Engagement Week (YEW) Summary, a report prepared by the three youth leaders who served as its facilitators. Held in parallel with JPAC activities, the YEW provided a unique opportunity for North American youth to contribute actively to the dialogue and ensure their perspectives were meaningfully reflected in this Advice.
Stay tuned for the next phase of the H-2030 JPAC consultation process, which will invite comments and suggestions on the Draft Horizon 2030 Report and its Recommendations.
JPAC Advice on Building Sustainable Economies: Circular Models and Nature-based Solutions for a Resilient North America
As a result of the Mexico City Public Forum on 24 July 2025, the Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) submitted an Advice to the CEC Council on the application of Circular Models and Nature-based Solutions across the region, and how their integration can accelerate the transition to more sustainable and more equitable economic systems. Discussions at the Public Forum focused on the enabling conditions, such as policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, public-private partnerships and regional cooperation, that make such transformations possible.
The Advice gathered public insights and highlighted opportunities for coordinated action across North America, supportive policy frameworks and innovative approaches to strengthen regional sustainability and resilience. JPAC provided recommendations in five key areas, including the establishment of an online North American Nature-based Solutions Knowledge Platform, as well as the development of initiatives that will pave the way for a North American Circular Economy and Innovation Corridor.
About the CEC
The Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) was established in 1994 by the governments of Canada, Mexico and the United States through the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, a parallel environmental agreement to NAFTA. As of 2020, the CEC is recognized and maintained by the Environmental Cooperation Agreement, in parallel with the new Free Trade Agreement of North America. The CEC brings together a wide range of stakeholders, including the general public, Indigenous people, youth, nongovernmental organizations, academia, and the business sector, to seek solutions to protect North America’s shared environment while supporting sustainable development for the benefit of present and future generations
The CEC is governed and funded equally by the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Government of the United States of Mexico through the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, and the Government of the United States of America through the Environmental Protection Agency.