The phrase "degraded environment" means that the natural surroundings have been damaged or harmed, leading to a decline in their quality, health, or beauty. Full definition
«Please see it to the very end, which includes restoring degraded environment, including the water bodies and the vegetation, and facilitating the young ones involved to get skills training and sustainable employment. (citifmonline.com)
They can also provide a much needed income for community members who live in degraded environments. (earthday.org)
Quebec's Sustainable Development Act (PDF), enacted while Mr. Mulcair was Quebec's Environment Minster, defines polluter pay as the assurance that, ««those who generate pollution or whose actions otherwise degrade the environment must bear their share of the cost of measures to prevent, reduce, control and mitigate environmental damages.» (canadianbusiness.com)