The realization that we must protect nature from the effects of human activity is not a modern innovation. However, a definite environmental consciousness has arisen in Western industrialized nations only since the 1960s. In recent decades, coastlines contaminated by spilled oil, declining fish populations, the destructions of the ozone layer, increasing desertification and dying forests have all pointed to the tolerance limits of ecological systems. The supporters of most environmental protection efforts include individuals, civic alliances and political associations such as environmental and nature groups, as well as governments, businesses and the scientific community. All of them face the challenge of maintaining the balance of nature. However, since the environment as a whole cannot be fully protected or restored to its original condition, environmental protection efforts always require compromises between economic, political and social interests. Not every measure made possible by technology is truly feasible, given the various costs and trade-offs involved. Many proposals that are strongly advocated in scientific circles cannot be implemented due to economic concerns or a lack of political will. Similarly, many initiatives set in motion by governments meet with only hesitant acceptance in society.