Key Differences Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
1. What They Are:
Renewable Resources: These are resources that can be replaced naturally over time. Examples include solar energy (from the sun), wind energy (from the wind), and biomass (like plant materials).
Non-Renewable Resources: These resources are limited and cannot be replaced once they’re used up. Examples include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as minerals.
2. How Much is Available:
Renewable Resources: According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy made up about 29% of the world's electricity in 2020.
Non-Renewable Resources: The World Bank predicts that fossil fuels will still provide around 80% of the world’s energy by 2040 unless we change our energy policies.
3. Effects on the Environment:
Renewable Resources: Typically, these have less impact on the environment. For example, wind energy can help avoid around 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year.
Non-Renewable Resources: These tend to cause more pollution. Burning coal, for instance, releases about 2.2 tons of CO2 for every ton of coal that is burned.
4. Money Matters:
Renewable Resources: Investments in renewable energy are expected to go over $2 trillion worldwide by 2030.
Non-Renewable Resources: As fossil fuels get used up, their prices may rise a lot; some experts think oil prices could be four times higher by 2050 if things don’t change.
In short, renewable and non-renewable resources differ in what they are, how much is available, their effects on the environment, and their economic impact.
Key Differences Between Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
1. What They Are:
Renewable Resources: These are resources that can be replaced naturally over time. Examples include solar energy (from the sun), wind energy (from the wind), and biomass (like plant materials).
Non-Renewable Resources: These resources are limited and cannot be replaced once they’re used up. Examples include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as minerals.
2. How Much is Available:
Renewable Resources: According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewable energy made up about 29% of the world's electricity in 2020.
Non-Renewable Resources: The World Bank predicts that fossil fuels will still provide around 80% of the world’s energy by 2040 unless we change our energy policies.
3. Effects on the Environment:
Renewable Resources: Typically, these have less impact on the environment. For example, wind energy can help avoid around 1.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year.
Non-Renewable Resources: These tend to cause more pollution. Burning coal, for instance, releases about 2.2 tons of CO2 for every ton of coal that is burned.
4. Money Matters:
Renewable Resources: Investments in renewable energy are expected to go over $2 trillion worldwide by 2030.
Non-Renewable Resources: As fossil fuels get used up, their prices may rise a lot; some experts think oil prices could be four times higher by 2050 if things don’t change.
In short, renewable and non-renewable resources differ in what they are, how much is available, their effects on the environment, and their economic impact.