Nonrenewable Resources: Definition, Examples, Advantages, Disadvantages

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Without the existence of energy resources, humanity will cease to exist. In a world where everything is reliant on energy, a resource of energy can be fundamentally bifurcated into two subgroups. These are renewable and nonrenewable resources. In this exclusive article, we are only interested in the definition of nonrenewable resources.

However, I will still clear some air regarding the basic difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources. See, the basic difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy resources is that the former is renewed or restored by nature over a period of time.

On the other hand, the latter does not get renewed or restored by nature. In any case, if the latter is renewed by nature, it would take thousands or millions of years to be fully renewed or restored by nature itself.

What are Nonrenewable Resources?

By definition, nonrenewable resources are a type of natural resource which cannot be replenished. In other words, one can simply say that they are limited in supply. Therefore, cannot be used continuously.

What is worrisome about nonrenewables (fossil fuels) is that on one hand, they are by far the biggest contributor to electricity generation across the globe. On the other hand, they are also responsible for large-scale global warming and climate change.

In fact, according to the recent research paper published on Advancing Earth and Space Science, Glacial melting due to global warming is likely the cause of a shift in the movement of the poles that occurred in the 1990s.

In other words, climate change due to the excessive burning of fossil fuel has altered the Earth’s tilt. Therefore, as a result of these climate disasters and environmental hazards, most of the developed countries are spearheading the process of switching from nonrenewables to renewables.

Examples of Nonrenewable Resources

If you think you can’t relate to examples of nonrenewable resources in everyday life. Well, here is your chance to think again!

  • Coal
  • Natural Gas
  • Oil
  • Diesel
  • Petrol
  • Nuclear Power, etc.

Advantages of Nonrenewable Resources

There can be so many advantages of nonrenewable resources. Some of them are listed below:

  • Upfront and installation cost is low.
  • Non-renewable energy resources require areas smaller than renewable energy resources to function properly.
  • Output efficiency of nonrenewable energy resources is better and has the ability to produce lots of energy in a short amount of time.

Disadvantages of Nonrenewable Resources

Some of the disadvantages of nonrenewable resources are:

  • Nonrenewable energy resources cannot be renewed or restored over time.
  • They are not abundant in nature.
  • They are hazardous to the environment, etc.

Frequently asked questions:

1. What is renewable energy?

ANS: Renewable Energy is a type of energy derived from inexhaustible resources. The word ‘inexhaustible’ signifies that they can be replenished by nature in a short period of time.

2. What are examples of renewable resources?

ANS: Some of the examples of renewable resources include water, plants, animals, solar energy, geothermal, and wind energy.

3. Is nuclear energy renewable or nonrenewable?

ANS: Nuclear energy comes under the category of non-renewable energy resources. Not to mention, some group of nuclear scientists argues that nuclear energy itself is a renewable one, but the material used in the nuclear power plant is not.

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I am a mechanical engineer by profession. Just because of my love for fundamental physics, I switched my career, and therefore I did my postgraduate degree in physics. Right now I am a loner (as ever) and a Physics blogger too. My sole future goal is to do a Ph.D. in theoretical physics, especially in the field of cosmology. Because in my view, every aspect of physics comes within the range of cosmology. And I love traveling, especially the Sole one.

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