Environmental issues throughout the world such as rising sea levels, rising average global temperatures, melting polar ice caps, and fast depleting petroleum resources have increased the burden on individuals and industries to find alternative resources to fulfil their demands (Fig. 1.1). Key global challenges include how to respect the environment and enhance living conditions for the benefit of all living organisms. These concerns, combined with a growing understanding of renewable “green” resources, have prompted several sectors to take steps to reduce their harmful impact on the environment.