Digest of Biblical Civil Law

Respect for God’s creation translates into a duty to protect and sustain His first creation: Earth, the planet [Gen. 2:15]. Before God created man, He created Heavens and Earth [Gen. 1:1]. Confronting climate change is, in the long run, one of the greatest challenges that we face, and you can see this duty or responsibility laid down in scriptures, clearly, beginning in Genesis. Our response to this challenge ought to be rooted in a sense of stewardship of Earth, and that responsibility comes from God.
- John Kerry, "Remarks at Ceremony in Honor of Special Representative to Muslim Communities Shaarik Zafar" (9/3/14), http://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2014/09/231245.htm.