Non -renewable resources: What are and examples

We start with the Definition of non -renewable resources. Non -renewable resources (also called exhaustible resources) are those Natural resources that cannot be grown, produce, reuse or regenerate at a level that can support its consumption rate. That is, the consumption of non -renewable resources (mainly used as sources of energy and raw materials) is greater than the time it takes for nature to recreate or replace them, or exist in fixed quantities.

The Difference between renewable and non -renewable resources It lies in that, on the other hand, renewable resources will restore their stocks due to natural processes at a speed higher than that of consumption by human beings and, consequently, do not run out. We recommend you also read this other post to expand information on what renewable resources and examples are.

Let’s see, then some Examples of non -renewable resources They illustrate what is seen so far. As we said, non -renewable resources are used as energy sources and as raw materials. The most widely used as energy sources are fossil fuels (oil, coal, natural gas) and radioactive elements that produce nuclear energy, which makes them non -renewable energies. As raw materials we have, for example, minerals and limestone. Let’s study these examples more detail:

• Oil It originated from the massive death of marine plankton. These agencies fell to the bottom and were covered by marine sediments for millions of years and were subject to conditions of high pressures and temperatures. Thus, organic matter became Hydrocarbons. It is transported by pipelines and tankers, which have a high risk of accidents that can have large dimensions (as happened with the prestige). Among the main use of oil we could cite liquefied gases, gasoline, cheeseno, gasolle, fuel, etc. We advise you to read this other article on how oil is formed.
• The coal It was formed by the accumulation of plant remains in the bottom of swamps, lagoons or deltas. It is one of the most abundant fuels, but it is also the most polluting (it emits twice the CO2 than oil), being also the main cause of acid rain. The main use is its combustion in thermal plants. Here you can learn more about how coal forms.
• Natural gas It also comes from the fermentation of accumulated organic matter between sediments. It is transported by gas pipelines and is used directly in homes (heating, kitchens, etc.), in the industry and in thermal plants. Contaminates less than other fossil fuels. Here we tell you what natural gas is and what is it for.
• Nuclear energy It comes from materials of mineral origin that have the property of having unstable nuclei that lose energy. Nuclear energy is seen by some as an ideal energy source for use until the transition to other energy sources is produced, seen by others as the most dangerous and inappropriate method of producing energy. To learn more about this non -renewable resource, we encourage you to read this other article on advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy.
• The minerals They were formed in the same process of formation of the planet. From the era of metals to the present, they have been given countless uses transforming into indispensable resources. Some of the most valued minerals are gold, silver, copper, zinc, etc. Here we explain how mineral extraction affects the environment.
• The limestone It has its origin in the remains of marine animal shells subject to high pressures and temperatures. It can also be formed by the dissolution of calcium carbonate in water with CO2. There are many other rocks that are used as raw materials.

The immediate conclusion is that it is inevitable that these non -renewable resources end at some point, that their sustained use is not possible in a prolonged period of time. By extracting, for example, the fossil fuels of the deposits in the subsoil, these They are running out. There is no renewal process or this lasts millions of years and this excessive amount of time, compared to that of human existence, makes us not access to these resources once exhausted.

Thus, the most convenient is make the least possible use of non -renewable resources and replace them with those who are, especially in regard to the non -renewable energysince, in addition, they bring negative consequences for the environment.

In this sense, the most relevant thing is that it is trying to decarbonize the global economy, in fact, in Spain all mines have already been closed. It is also increasingly advocated by an energy transition towards other renewable energy sources or clean energy (such as hydrogen, wind, solar, hydroelectric or biomass energy). However, there are still difficulties in replacing oil associated with its ease of extraction since the world economy still depends strongly on it. All this despite the fluctuations at their price and despite the fact that experts say that, at the current rhythm of extraction, Reservations can be exhausted in half a century.

Finally, comment that some renewable resources may become non -renewable. This is the case of underground aquifers, since overexploitation of them generates a series of processes that prevent their renewal. Likewise, forests, biodiversity, river water, clean air, etc., could also exceed their regeneration speed if we make a massive use of them. Here we tell you more about the overexploitation of natural resources, their causes and consequences and in the video below you can also learn more about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-pyloce4So

If you want to read more articles similar to Non -renewable resources: What are and exampleswe recommend that you enter our category of non -renewable energy.