Power supply companies and multinational companies have long been accustomed to dealing with scenarios extending as far into the future as the year 2050 - such as the contribution of energy from renewable resources to global energy supplies. In contrast, such concern with the future is painfully lacking in the political arena. It is well worthwhile considering the past when examining the future interplay between innovation and environmental protection. This historical approach demonstrates that environmental protection and technological progress are inextricably intertwined. Solving environmental problems without technology by asceticism and abstention is a rather make-believe approach. Those who call for cars to stay in the garage usually mean other people＇s cars, and those who demand rationing of air travel usually mean other people＇s flights.