Commentators unanimously agree that this verse establishes a direct link between human sin and the suffering of the physical earth. The world is described as 'polluted' or 'defiled' by humanity's wickedness, causing it to become barren and desolate. As John Calvin notes, the earth, which God designed to be a nourishing mother, becomes unfaithful to us because we have been unfaithful to God. Our moral choices have real-world, physical consequences.