Difference Between Renewable and Non Renewable Resources with Examples
Difference Between Renewable and Non-renewable Resources is that renewable resources can be replenished at the same rate they are used. Non-renewable resources take millions of years to renew and have a limited supply.
Krati Saraswat23 May, 2025
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Difference Between Renewable and Non-renewable Resources: Renewable and non-renewable resources are their replenishment capability; renewable resources can be replenished, whereas non-renewable resources cannot. These two categories, renewable and non-renewable sources, are part of the Natural Resources category, which includes substances that have existed in nature for millions of years.
Some energy resources, such as sunlight, have existed since the Earth was formed. Natural resources are classified as renewable or nonrenewable depending on their availability. Renewable sources can be renewed even after continuous use, whereas nonrenewable sources cannot. The article below provides insight into the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.| NEET Biology Syllabus | NEET Biology Diagrams |
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Difference Between Renewable and Non-renewable Resources Overview
Difference Between Renewable and Non-renewable Resources
Natural resources exist without human intervention, including sunlight, air, water, land, minerals, vegetation, and animal life. They are divided into two categories: renewable resources and nonrenewable resources. Both of these resource categories are necessary for human dependence. The table below shows the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.| Difference Between Renewable and Non-renewable Resources | ||
|---|---|---|
| Characteristics | Renewable Resources | Non-Renewable Resources |
| Definition | Natural resources replenishable within a human timescale | Natural resources not replenishable within a human timescale |
| Formation | Formed through rapid natural processes like solar and wind energy | Formed through slow geological processes like fossilization, not duplicable in a human timescale |
| Environmental Impacts | Generally low, if managed sustainably | Can be significant, including air and water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and soil erosion |
| Supply | Unlimited supply unless natural processes are disrupted | Limited supply, cannot be replenished |
| Costs | Generally expensive | Initially cheap compared to renewables, but costs may rise with resource scarcity over time |
| Energy Intensity | Low, formed through natural processes | High, significant energy required for extraction and processing |
| Economic Significance | Increasing demand over time | Already in high demand, as non-renewables provide energy and raw materials |
| Long-term Sustainability | High | Low |
| Examples | Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Hydro Energy, Geothermal Energy, Bioenergy | Coal, Oil, Natural Gas, Iron, Copper, Uranium |
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are naturally replenishable over time and do not deplete upon usage. Examples include sunlight, water, wind, and trees, which can be harnessed for power generation, heating homes, and providing food and building materials. The sustainability of renewable resources is a notable benefit, allowing repeated use without exhaustion and minimizing environmental impact by avoiding pollution, making them a cleaner alternative to non-renewable resources. Sunlight and wind are essential renewable resources. Plants utilize sunlight for photosynthesis, while wind sustains life by aiding photosynthesis in plants and animal respiration. Water, vital for survival, serves various purposes like drinking, washing, cooking, and farming. Hydro energy, derived from flowing or dammed water, is efficiently converted into electricity. Soil supports plant growth, producing vital food. Biogas from animal and plant waste contains methane and is used as fuel, especially for cooking in rural areas. These examples demonstrate the significance of renewable resources in sustaining life and reducing environmental impact.Non-renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources are natural assets with a finite supply that cannot be replenished quickly. Examples include metals, rocks, minerals, and fossil fuels. These resources are crucial for generating electricity and powering vehicles but also cause air pollution and environmental problems. Non-renewable resources are finite, leading to eventual depletion, higher costs, and accessibility issues. Coal, natural gas, and petroleum are examples of fossil fuels which are nonrenewable energy sources.Difference Between Renewable and Non Renewable Resources FAQs
What is meant by non-renewable resources?
Nonrenewable energy resources encompass coal, natural gas, oil, and nuclear energy. Once depleted, these resources cannot be replenished, posing a significant challenge as humanity currently relies on them to fulfill most of our energy requirements.
Is water non-renewable?
The quantity of water on Earth remains constant. Water continuously undergoes the water cycle, ensuring that we cannot run out of water, making it a renewable resource.
Is plastic renewable?
Plastic is derived from crude oil, a nonrenewable resource. Although plastic can be recycled, the escalating amount of solid waste generated by plastic poses a growing environmental concern.
What is renewable and nonrenewable resources Class 12?
Renewable resources renew or replenish rapidly, some unaffected by human activities, such as solar and wind energy. Non-renewable resources have a limited stock in nature.
What are 10 examples of renewable resources?
Renewable resources include solar energy, wind, falling water, geothermal heat, biomass (plant materials), waves, ocean currents, ocean temperature differences, and tidal energy.
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