19 November 09
Progress under United States-Canada Air Quality Agreement to Reduce Emissions of Pollutants in Border Region
The Governments of the United States and Canada met in Washington, D.C today to review the significant progress made over the last two decades in addressing transboundary impacts of air pollution under the United States-Canada Air Quality Agreement. Under this landmark agreement, the two governments agreed to take specific actions to address transboundary air pollution and its impacts on human health and the environment. They also agreed to work together on scientific and technical cooperation as well as on research related to transboundary air pollution. An annex to the 1991 agreement covers acid rain, and in 2000, the governments added a second annex to address ground level ozone. [more]

22 September 2009
Yes We Can Work Together on Climate Change: By Chargé d’Affaires-a.i. Terry Breese
Today, U.S. President Barack Obama will speak to world leaders on climate change during a special U.N. summit in New York on the eve of the 64th session of the U.N. General Assembly. The nations of the world are working hard right now to negotiate a new international agreement to combat climate change. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our world today. Already its impacts are apparent and consequences severe. Arctic sea ice is disappearing faster than expected. The Greenland Ice Sheet is shrinking. Sea levels threaten to rise higher than previously anticipated. And water supplies are increasingly at risk from both melting glaciers and extreme climate events, such as droughts and floods. These changes threaten not only the environment, but also security and stability.[more]

10 August 2009
North American Leaders Discuss Trade, H1N1 Flu, Climate Change
Washington — Building on progress made at two recent international economic summits, President Obama said he and the leaders of Mexico and Canada pledged to take “aggressive, coordinated action” to restore economic growth across North America and create jobs for their workers. [more] [more on the Summit]

16 June 09
Climate Change Impacts Across America -- Renewed Focus for Decisions
Today, the White House helped to launch a new science report representing a consensus of 13 agencies developed over a year and half and focused on potential climate change impacts on the United States.
- Read the report
- View the powerpoint presentation
It’s the most comprehensive report to date on the possible impacts of climate change for everyone across America, and begins an important process of redefining the sort of information we need in order to deal with climate change at national and regional scales. [more]

20 April 09
Earth Day - 22nd April
Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Earth Day is a time to unite around new actions. Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet.
Earthday.gov is a cooperative effort across the entire U.S. government. [earthday.gov].

31 March 09
United States to Host Climate Change Forum in April
Representatives from 16 nations asked to join forum.
Washington — The United States has invited 16 major economies to a forum in April to discuss climate change and clean energy ventures, the White House said. The April 27–28 meeting in Washington is designed to culminate in a leaders’ meeting on the sidelines of the G8 Summit in July in La Maddalena, Italy. Ultimately, it aims to help negotiators reach an accord later in the year. [more].

19 February 09
Obama Renews U.S. Commitment to Canada
Launches clean energy initiative with Canadian prime minister. Washington — President Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a new clean energy initiative and joint efforts to confront the global economic crisis as both cited the close relationship of the two North American neighbors. [more]

09 January 09
100th Anniversary of the U.S.-Canada Boundary Waters Treaty
January 11 marks the 100th anniversary of the Boundary Waters Treaty of 1909. We note with pride the century of cooperation with Canada in managing water quality, quantity, and environmental health along our 5,525-mile border. The Treaty also established the International Joint Commission, which has played a vital role as an independent steward of these shared resources. Comprised of Commissioners from both countries, the Commission has been an outstanding example of collaborative governance and stewardship, facilitating cooperation, preventing and resolving water-related disputes, and approving and overseeing operation of several major dams and hydropower stations along the border. [more]