Critical and Emerging Environmental Trends in North America

Project Summary

The project seeks to identify and analyze probable environmental issues in the next ten to twenty years (2010 to 2020), both in terms of overall trends, as well as performing a more in-depth analysis of specific issues. Optimal methods will be employed to develop, apply and integrate in different policy-planning cycles predictive environmental tools designed to anticipate, measure and allow the Parties to respond to future environmental change. Accordingly, an important emphasis will be on identifying the types of data required for such an analysis, the appropriate environmental and sustainability indicators to apply, the various models that can be employed, as well as methods by which environmental and economic data can be meaningfully integrated. A related priority will be on identifying underlying economic factors that influence future environmental issues. Project results will seek to communicate complex diagnostic, methodological and other issues in a transparent and comprehensible manner. Results will be made available to the public and to relevant stakeholders through summary reports and a public meeting. Throughout the project, emphasis will be placed on building partnerships with centers of research and academic excellence, the private sector, nongovernmental organizations and the public generally.