When we talk about energy resources, it's important to know the main differences between renewable and non-renewable sources.

1. What They Are

• Renewable Energy: These are energy sources that can be easily replaced by nature in a short time. Some examples are solar (sunlight), wind, and hydro (water) power.
• Non-Renewable Energy: These energy sources are limited and can’t be replaced quickly. Common examples include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as nuclear energy.

2. How They Affect the Environment

• Renewable Energy: These sources are usually cleaner for the planet. They create little to no greenhouse gases when used. For example, solar panels turn sunlight into energy without harming the air.
• Non-Renewable Energy: These sources can hurt the environment. Burning fossil fuels leads to problems like air pollution and climate change because it produces a lot of carbon dioxide.

3. How Long They Last

• Renewable Energy: There’s almost endless energy here! It depends on nature, like having sunny days for solar panels to work well.
• Non-Renewable Energy: These resources are running out. We can see this through extraction curves that show how much is left over time.

By understanding these differences, we can choose better energy options that are good for our planet!