Renewable & Nonrenwable Resources

Renewable Resources

• Renewable resources are defined as energy sources that are capable of being replaced through natural ecological cycles and sound management practices. Such resources have low carbon emissions, which is why they are preferred by industries and governments that have staunch conservation policies. Harvesting of renewable resources requires proper planning, sound infrastructure and a high capital investment. They help a country's economy because harvesting such resources requires manpower, leading to employment.

Types of Renewable Resources

• Some examples of renewable resources are wind, solar, biomass, tidal energy, water, oxygen, fruits and vegetables and animal meat. While environmentalists urge manufacturing industries to use renewable resources over nonrenewable ones, the progress is slow because of the high costs involved in designing and making plants that economically transform one form of energy to another. Examples of technology that can be used to harness renewable resources include windmills and solar panels.

Nonrenewable Resources

• Nonrenewable resources are sources of energy that once used, cannot be recreated. They are resources that are limited in quantity on or under the earth's surface because it took millions of years for them to form. If not carefully used and nurtured, most nonrenewable energy sources will not last past the 21st century. Nonrenewable resources leave countries dependent on other countries where such resources can be found, which leaves each country benefiting from the other unequally, causing global strife. Environmentalists who understand the dangers of running out of nonrenewable resources as well as the threat they pose to the environment urge people to shift to renewable resources to ease the burden.

Types of Nonrenewable Resources

• Nonrenewable energy resources are of four integral types: fossil fuels, oil and gas, nuclear energy and minerals. Once used, they emit high carbon concentrations into the atmosphere and create environmental damage such as drought, global warming and pressure on many species. Why are they still in use? Nonrenewable energy resources are cheap at the price compared to renewable energy resources, and at present much easier to obtain and use.