Work-Environment Feedback | Sustainable development of nature

Because a significant percentage of total global employment is related to water-dependent activities, the consequences of degrading water systems are far-reaching¹. Water scarcity and deterioration of its quality are responsible for the reduced productivity of agriculture, water and heat energy, and various industries that use water in production processes. Furthermore, the degradation of aquatic and marine ecosystems severely reduces their ability to provide essential resources and benefits, impacting fisheries, raw material production, tourism and recreation activities and professions. The effects of degraded land and soil systems have an equally alarming impact on various industries and employment sectors. Land-soil systems are directly linked to agriculture and food production, with even minor environmental damage impacting production and significantly increasing costs². Deforestation and land degradation affect the forestry industry and create resource shortages, affecting the availability of several materials typically used in production, as well as their disastrous ecological consequences. Degraded soils can also cause problems in other key economic sectors, such as construction, renewable energy projects and infrastructure development.

Degraded air and atmospheric systems impact crop yields and soil quality, leading to reduced agricultural productivity as well as food security concerns³. They also pose significant constraints for several sectors and professions (for example construction, tourism, other outdoor activities and recreation) due to the associated health effects and the need to limit exposure, which has implications for all relevant workplaces⁴.