Jewish literature is full of references to the natural world and our responsibilities to it. In Judaism, environmental protection is extremely important to the point that the death of a single species or a destruction of a habitat is like losing the entire world. With such a loss, the quality of life of humans will also be reduced.

“All I have created, I created for you. Take care not to corrupt and destroy my universe, for if you destroy it, no one will come after you to put it right.”

– Ecclesiastes Rabbah 7

Jews are commanded not to over-exploit resources, to keep the balance of the ecological world, to preserve the natural world, and not cause wasteful destruction.

“You shall keep my statues. You shall not let your cattle gender with a diverse kind; you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed; neither shall there come upon you a garment of two kinds of stuff mingled together.”

– Leviticus 19:19

“You shall not destroy the trees thereof… and you shall not cut them down.”

– Deuteronomy 20:19

These prohibitions (and there are more like them), are said to be indicators of the pious, who are also encouraged not to waste even “a mustard seed”, as any kind of wastage, small or large would be leave the heart aching.

Also in Judaism, open spaces that are free from any kind of obstruction are encouraged, especially in cities. The purpose of open spaces is described as being ‘for the beautification of the city, that it has air’.

In general, just like Christianity and Islam, Judaism believes that the entire universe is created by the Creator. Jewish belief understands nature to have been created for humans, and spoiling it would be a sin. Humans should thus have a love for nature and are also given the responsibility to improve and perfect it, as well as protect it from destruction.