Integration of work, environment, and human health – agendas for sustainability and decent work

Recent environmental and work-related changes (and deterioration) have negatively affected the population, exacerbating conflicts and health issues. This essay reflects on how work and the environment are intrinsically connected as determinants, which can be sources of both health and illness, and discusses possible agendas and pathways for advancing sustainability and decent work. While several international and national strategies and policies acknowledge the right to a healthy environment and decent work (and the interactions between these essential factors for life), the implementation of these agendas remains a major challenge, especially in the context of the climate crisis. In addition to recognizing the inseparable relationship between work, environment, and health and promoting integrated policies and actions to achieve environmental justice and decent work, it is urgent to establish more transversal strategies grounded in the specific realities and needs of different territories, prioritize the most vulnerable populations and workers, strengthen the monitoring and control of environmental and occupational hazards and exposures, ensure spaces for participation, and provide workers and society with training for active and qualified engagement.