The Holy Qur'an in chapter 30, verse 41 clearly talks of a people who instead of practically thanking Allah (swt) by utilizing the earth for its sacred purpose cause mischief therein and subsequently face its evil consequences:
"Corruption has appeared in the land and sea, for that men's own hands have earned, that He may let them taste some of that which they have done, that haply so they may return."
And in chapter 7, verse 10, Almighty Allah says: ﴾Indeed We made you live in the earth and made therein for you the means of livelihood; little is it that you thank.﴿
In this verse, ﴾little is it that you thank﴿ should not merely taken as "verbal thanks," for the reality of "shukr" is to use the gift for the purpose it was created.
source : http://english.almaaref.org
