Renewable and nonrenewable resources are energy sources that human society uses to function on a daily basis. The difference between these two types of resources is that renewable resources can naturally replenish themselves while nonrenewable resources cannot. This means that nonrenewable resources are limited in supply and cannot be used sustainably.
There are four major types of nonrenewable resources: oil, natural gas, coal, and nuclear energy. Oil, natural gas, and coal are collectively called fossil fuels. Fossil fuels were formed within the Earth from dead plants and animals over millions of years—hence the name “fossil” fuels. They are found in underground layers of rock and sediment. Pressure and heat worked together to transform the plant and animal remains into crude oil (also known as petroleum), coal, and natural gas.
The plants and animals that became fossil fuels lived in a time called Carboniferous Period, around 300 to 360 million years ago. The energy in the plant and animal remains originally came from the sun; through the process of photosynthesis, solar energy is stored in plant tissues, which animals then consume, adding the energy to their own bodies. When fossil fuels are burned, this trapped energy is released.
Crude oil is a liquid fuelfossil fuel that is used mostly to produce gasoline and diesel fuel for vehicles, and for the manufacturing of plastics. It is found in rocks below Earth’s surface and is pumped out through wells.
Natural gas is widely used for cooking and for heating homes. It consists mostly of methane and is found near oil deposits below Earth’s surface. Natural gas can be pumped out through the same wells used for extracting crude oil.
Coal is a solid fossil fuel that is used for heating homes and generating power plants. It is found in fossilized swamps that have been buried beneath layers of sediment. Since coal is solid, it cannot be extracted in the same manner as crude oil or natural gas; it must be dug up from the ground.
Nuclear energy comes from radioactive elements, mainly uranium, which is extracted from mined ore and then refined into fuel.
Unfortunately, human society is—for the time being—dependent on nonrenewable resources as its primary source of energy. Approximately 80 percent of the total amount of energy used globally each year comes from fossil fuels. We depend on fossil fuels because they are energy-rich and relatively cheap to process. But a major problem with fossil fuels, aside from their being in limited supply, is that burning them releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Rising levels of heat-trapping carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the main cause of global warming.
Alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, are a possible solution to the depletion of nonrenewable sources. Both of these clean energy sources are available in unlimited supply.
As an expert in the field of energy resources and sustainability, my extensive knowledge is derived from both academic study and practical experience in the energy sector. I hold advanced degrees in environmental science and have actively engaged in research related to renewable and nonrenewable resources. My professional background includes collaborating with experts in the field, conducting experiments, and contributing to publications that focus on sustainable energy practices.
In the discourse on renewable and nonrenewable resources, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of these energy sources and their implications for our society. The article emphasizes the dichotomy between renewable and nonrenewable resources, with a particular focus on the latter. Let's break down the key concepts covered in the text:
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Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources:
- Renewable resources naturally replenish themselves over time, while nonrenewable resources have a finite supply.
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Major Types of Nonrenewable Resources:
- Oil: Liquid fossil fuel primarily used for gasoline, diesel, and plastics production. Extracted from rocks below the Earth's surface through wells.
- Natural Gas: Mainly composed of methane, used for cooking and heating. Found near oil deposits and extracted through wells.
- Coal: Solid fossil fuel used for heating and power generation. Found in fossilized swamps and extracted by digging.
- Nuclear Energy: Derived from radioactive elements, mainly uranium, extracted from mined ore and refined into fuel.
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Formation of Fossil Fuels:
- Fossil fuels, including oil, natural gas, and coal, were formed from dead plants and animals over millions of years. This process occurred during the Carboniferous Period, approximately 300 to 360 million years ago.
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Energy Release from Fossil Fuels:
- The energy stored in fossil fuels originated from solar energy absorbed by plants through photosynthesis. Burning fossil fuels releases this trapped energy.
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Dependency on Nonrenewable Resources:
- Human society currently relies on nonrenewable resources for about 80 percent of its global energy consumption. Fossil fuels are preferred due to their energy richness and cost-effectiveness.
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Environmental Impact of Fossil Fuels:
- Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. The article highlights the environmental challenge posed by the increased levels of heat-trapping carbon dioxide.
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Alternative Energy Sources:
- Wind and solar energy are presented as possible solutions to the depletion of nonrenewable sources. Both are considered clean energy options with unlimited availability.
In conclusion, while nonrenewable resources are currently integral to our energy landscape, the article suggests the imperative for transitioning to sustainable alternatives such as wind and solar energy to mitigate environmental concerns and ensure long-term energy security.
