When we think about the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources, it’s as though we’re asking what nonstop supply is, versus a short-term supply.
Fossil fuels have been a popular topic in recent years, and some people believe it will run out soon while others believe it is an endless supply.
What do scientists and geologists think?
According to the US Department of Energy, fossil fuels are non-renewable.
The fossil energy sources, such as oil, coal, and natural gas, occurred when ancient plants and animals died and became one with the earth.
Different types of fossil fuels originated over millions of years, depending on the mixture of organic substances present, the length of time it remained buried, and what elements and stress circumstances existed then.
Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources
A natural resource is something that comes from nature and helps to sustain our lives.
Minerals and fossil fuels come to mind when thinking of natural resources.
Ecosystems and the services they give, on the other hand, are natural resources. Biodiversity is also a natural resource.
Renewable resources
Natural processes can restore renewable resources as quickly as humans utilize them.
- Sunlight is the number one example. It is not at risk of becoming depleted.
- We can reuse metals and other minerals. When we utilize them, they are not destroyed and can be recycled.
- The wind is a renewable source of energy, which powers wind turbines.
Renewable resources are living things that can reproduce and replace themselves.
Sometimes we treat them badly or use them more than we need, and they end up running out.
We must use them sustainably for them to be renewable.
The term “sustainable usage” refers to the use of resources in a way that meets our needs while at the same time securing some for future generations.
Nonrenewable Resources?
Natural resources that exist in finite quantities that we can deplete are known as nonrenewable resources.
- Petroleum, coal, and natural gas are examples of fossil fuels. Over hundreds of millions of years, these fuels evolved from plant residues. We’re depleting them considerably quicker than nature can replace them. Petroleum will finish in a few decades, while coal will deplete in less than 300 years, based on present consumption rates.
- Nuclear power is also seen as a nonrenewable resource because it consumes uranium, which will eventually deplete. It also generates hazardous pollutants that are difficult to dispose of safely.
Fossil Fuels Contribution to Emissions
Today, fossil fuel businesses dig or drill for these energy sources, then burn or refine them as fuel for warmth or transportation.
The burning of fossil fuels was the reason for about 75 percent of emissions caused by humans for more than 20 years.
Who is Responsible for Preserving Fossil Fuels
The Energy Department is responsible for maintaining emergency petroleum reserves, ensuring responsible development of America’s oil and gas resources, and carrying out natural gas regulatory duties.
Furthermore, scientists at the Energy Department’s National Laboratories are working on solutions to cut carbon emissions and ensuring that fossil fuels play a role in America’s clean energy future.
Can Alternative Fuels Help Save Natural Gas
The United States has an abundance of Natural gas. As we find more and come up with extraction processes, it has sparked a surge in shale gas development, propelling America to the top of the global natural gas production rankings.
The Energy Department says it is committed to safely developing America’s natural gas resources in a comprehensive energy strategy.
They support the deployment of natural gas-powered alternative fuel vehicles, which are ideal for high-mileage, centrally fueled fleets that operate within a limited area.
They do so by paying for academic exploration programs, looking for ways to use methane hydrates to create natural gas, and investing in creative research projects. We use oil for transportation and heating, especially for cars, trucks, and everyday vehicles.
Although America’s reliance on foreign oil has decreased in recent years, oil costs have risen.
How Can Oil Last Longer
The Energy Department favors research and policy alternatives to expand our domestic oil supply while also ensuring environmentally sustainable supplies both at home and abroad.
The department sends money on research, technology, and ways to make oil drilling safer and more efficient, such as better ways to drill for oil offshore and still make remarkable oil recovery.
Can Coal be Handled Sustainably?
Coal is America’s most abundant domestically produced energy source, accounting for a significant portion of the country’s electrical generation.
The Energy Department seeks to develop cleaner coal technology to play a role in our clean energy future.
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, sometimes known as carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration, are also being developed by the Department.
Final Thoughts
Natural processes can replace renewable resources as quickly as humans use them. Sunlight and wind are two examples.
Nonrenewable resources are limited in quantity. We can put it to good use. Coal and other fossil fuels are examples.
