CECweb 197d ago

North America is increasingly affected by persistent environmental pollutants—including pesticides, forever chemicals (PFAS) and microplastics—that accumulate in soils, water, air and ecosystems. These pollutants not only impact the environment and biodiversity but also pose significant risks to human health, via direct exposure, food consumption, water contamination or inhalation. The 2025 JPAC Public Forum, Regenerating North America’s Future, provides a space to exchange ideas and explore pathways toward systems that restore ecological integrity while safeguarding community well-being. By focusing on these interconnected challenges, the Forum will examine how scientific innovation, traditional knowledge, emerging regulatory and policy measures, corporate accountability and multi-actor engagement can deliver practical and lasting solutions. Designed as a participatory platform, the discussions will bring together diverse voices from Indigenous Peoples, governments, civil society, academia, the private sector, women and youth to inspire collaborative action and support the CEC long-term environmental and sustainability objectives. Participants will explore concrete strategies to reduce environmental contamination, restore ecosystems and enhance human health across North America.