All About Renewable and Non-renewable Resources

Resources refer to all the materials present in our environment which are used by living beings. Resources are considered to be very useful raw materials found in the environment. These are known as materials that are found in nature. They are beneficial to every individual in a variety of ways.

Define Natural Resources

Humans require many useful things available in nature to live on this planet. These are referred to as natural resources. Air, water, woods, animals, and minerals are some examples. When humans use natural things to make a new thing that increases its value, it is known as a man-made resource.

natural resources

Types of Natural Resources

Natural resources are important for living beings. There are many ways of classifying natural resources. The most general category is the amount of resources available for human consumption. There are two types of energy resources: renewable and non-renewable energy resources.

Types of natural resources

What is a Renewable Resource ?

Renewable resources are those that cannot be depleted. They are always available and thus could be reused. The various types of Renewable resources are given below:

Renewable Resources : Examples

Sun - source of renewable energy

Wind - A renewable resource

Converting hydro energy into electrical energy is a simple way to utilise it. Electrical energy is a specific form of energy that is the result of an electric charge. Electrical energy is a specific form of energy that is the result of an electric charge.

hydroelectric energy generation from water

What is a Non-renewable Resource ?

Natural resources that are limited in quantity are referred to as non-renewable resources. These resources cannot be supplied or regenerated in a short duration of time. These resources cannot be reused. The various types of non renewable resources are as follows.

Non-renewable Resources : Examples

mage showing non-renewable resources.

Difference Between Renewable and Non-renewable Resources

1. Can be replaced by natural processes in a short duration of time or can be recycled.

1. These are natural resources that either

cannot be replaced or may take

millions of years to be replaced by natural processes like coal and oil.

2. It can be reused or recycled and used multiple times.

2. It cannot be reused or recycled.

3. Some of the examples are: wind

energy, solar power, hydroelectricity, geothermal.

3. Some of the examples are: petrol, coal, Natural gas, nuclear energy, fossil fuels.

4. There is no harm to the environment by using renewable resources.

4. Huge harm done to the environment

because of the harmful emissions.

Fun Facts

Summary

Resources refer to all the materials present in our environment which are used by living beings. Natural resources are materials present in nature and are used by humans. Renewable resources are those which cannot be depleted and could be reused. Examples of renewable resources include air, water, soil, solar energy, etc. Natural resources that are limited in quantity are referred to as non-renewable resources. The examples are coal, petroleum, etc.

Learning By Doing

In the given table, identify the following as renewable and non-renewable resources and name them.