2023 CEC Council Statement: “Canada, Mexico, U.S. Launch Ambitious Environmental Agenda in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada”

Launch Ambitious Environmental Agenda in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada” Within the framework of the trade agreement between Canada, Mexico, and the United States (CUSMA, T-MEC, USMCA) and the Environmental Cooperation Agreement, the top environmental officials of Canada, Mexico and the United States convened for the 30th Council Session of the Commission for Environmental Cooperation. [...] The Government of Mexico values and listens attentively to these voices, as well as the learning and knowledge that indigenous communities share with us to find common paths to advance in the environmental challenges of the region."—Iván Rico López, Undersecretary of Environmental Policy and Natural Resources, Semarnat “It has been an honour to host the 30th annual CEC Council meeting in Victoria,. [...] We emphasize the unequivocal threat of the unfolding climate crisis, ranging from increased, recurring and more intense extreme weather events, such as floods, wildfires, and drought, to the implications of climate change to our food systems, to our continent’s biodiversity, and to vulnerable and underserved communities, which all have lasting environmental, economic, and societal impacts. [...] We underline the importance of promoting collective action to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, including in relation to innovation and climate adaptation approaches, to ensure clean air, land, and water for present and future generations, and to conserve and protect our ecosystems and the rich flora and fauna found in our shared environment. [...] The path to a healthier environment and meaningful progress toward sustainable development in our region depends on our collective determination to succeed, as well as on the persistence to find and promote solutions that protect the environment, support the sustainable use and conservation of our natural resources, and maximize the socio-economic benefits from empowering our communities.