In the Spotlight
#CEC31: 31st Annual Council Session and JPAC Public Forum
From 24 to 26 June 2024Mark your calendar for the Commission for Environmental Cooperation’s (CEC) 31st annual Council Session and Joint Public Advisory Committee (JPAC) Public Forum, to be held 24–26 June 2024 in Wilmington, North Carolina under the theme “Strengthening Environmental Justice through Community Empowerment.”
Topics
Climate Change
Supporting emissions reduction and helping communities adapt to extreme weather events
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
Green Growth
Innovative joint approaches to support sustainable economic development, trade and consumption
Pollutants
Promoting clean air, water and land through prevention, reductions, and sound management of pollutant releases, toxic chemicals and hazardous waste
Featured Project
Improving the effectiveness of early warning systems for drought
2019 - 2020 Active Climate Change
The economic, environmental, and social impacts on communities of drought and its attendant hazards—including wildfires, floods, and landslides—are significant. While regionally-integrated drought monitoring and early warning systems can help decision-makers mitigate negative impacts, there is uncertainty among local planners, emergency...
Featured Publication
Guide to Drought Indices and Indicators Used in North America
October 18, 2019 62 pages Climate Change
The objective of this study was to improve the ability of regional and local decision-makers and communities to monitor and prepare for drought conditions through the development of a guide to locally relevant indicators for North American climate regions. Data were collected through an online survey that asked a series of questions on respondents’ experiences with drought in their geographical areas. A key series of questions queried the effectiveness of different drought indicators. Responses were analyzed to determine—according to the survey respondents—the most effective drought indicators for short-term and long-term drought in specific North American Köppen climate zones. Online webinars in English and Spanish were held to contribute additional information.
Social
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.