What are Non-Renewable Resources?

Non-Renewable resource is a type of natural resource that cannot be renegerated once utilised. Few examples of non-renewable resources are coal, oil, petroleum, natural gas, minerals such as iron and copper and nuclear fuel like uranium. Coal, oil, and petroleum are examples of Fossil fuels which are formed after carbonisation of dead plants and animal remains. These take millions of years to be formed and hence are categorised as non-renewable.

A lot of industries are dependent on these Non-renewable resources and hence, these have become an essential part of our daily lives. Most cars are driven by petrol, a lot of manufacturing industries use coal as their source of power. But the byproducts of their usage causes damage to the environment. Since renewable resources are expensive, not everyone can opt for them. Measures need to be taken by the government to protect the environment and to ensure that the future generations get their share of natural resources.

Also Read,

• Natural Resources – Definition, Types, and Examples
• Non-Conventional Energy Sources
• Conventional Energy Sources

The difference between Renewable and Non-Renewable resources is that the former can be replenished whereas the latter cannot. Renewable and Non-Renewable sources are the subtypes of Natural Resources. Natural resources are those that were formed in nature millions of years ago. Some resources of energy, for example, Sunlight existed even before the Earth was formed. Based on availability, natural resources are classified as renewable or non-renewable. Renewable sources can be renewed even after continuous utilization. Non-renewable cannot be renewed after continuous utilization.