Types of Natural Resources
Natural resources are important for living beings. There are many
ways of classifying natural resources. The most general category is
the amount of resources available for human consumption. There
are two types of energy resources: renewable and non-renewable
energy resources.
What is a Renewable Resource ?
Renewable resources are those that cannot be depleted. They are
always available and thus could be reused. The various types of
Renewable resources are given below:
Renewable Resources : Examples
• Sun - The energy obtained from sunlight is solar energy. The
sun is the ultimate natural resource for all living beings on the
earth. Plants utilise solar energy and make their own food
through photosynthesis.
• Wind - It is an important renewable resource required for the
survival of living organisms. Air is important to carry out
photosynthesis (the process by which green plants turn
carbon dioxide and water into food using energy from
sunlight) and respiration (the inhaling of oxygen and the
exhaling of carbon dioxide) in plants and animals,
respectively. The energy that is obtained from wind is termed
as wind energy.
• Water - Water is required for survival. Humans use water for
a variety of reasons, including drinking, washing, cooking, and
cultivating crops. Hydro energy is generated by water flowing
into a river or water held in a dam. Hydro energy is power that
is generated from moving water such as rivers.
Converting hydro energy into electrical energy is a simple
way to utilise it. Electrical energy is a specific form of energy
that is the result of an electric charge. Electrical energy is a
specific form of energy that is the result of an electric charge.
What is a Non-renewable Resource ?
Natural resources that are limited in quantity are referred to as
non-renewable resources. These resources cannot be supplied or
regenerated in a short duration of time. These resources cannot be
reused. The various types of non renewable resources are as
follows.
Non-renewable Resources : Examples
• Fossil Fuels- Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources.
This means that they will ultimately be finished, which is why
energy prices are rising. Fossil fuels consist of coal, natural
gas and petroleum.
• Coal- Coal is used as a fuel, to generate electricity, and in
factories and steam engines.
• Natural gas- Natural gas, often known as compressed
natural gas, is an excellent alternative to petrol and diesel. It
burns quickly and generates a large amount of heat. It's an
excellent source of hydrogen.
• Petroleum- Mineral oil or crude oil are other names for
petroleum. Petrol, diesel, cooking gas, and kerosene are all
made from this liquid mineral. It can be found deep within the
earth.
• Nuclear energy- This energy source involves use of
radioactive material that is found in nature. Uranium is
primarily used to make nuclear reactor fuel rods. Heat is
generated when neutrons(neutral particles present in the
atom) hit with the fuel rods. This converts water to steam,
which is used to move turbines. As a result, it generates
electricity.
Difference Between Renewable and Non-renewable
Resources
Renewable Resources Non-renewable Resources
1. These are natural resources
that either
1. Can be replaced by natural cannot be replaced or may
processes in a short duration of take
time or can be recycled. millions of years to be
replaced by natural
processes like coal and oil.
2. It can be reused or recycled 2. It cannot be reused or
and used multiple times. recycled.
3. Some of the examples are
3. Some of the examples are
wind
petrol, coal, Natural gas,
energy, solar power,
nuclear energy, and fossil
hydroelectricity, and
fuels.
geothermal.
4. Huge harm done to the
4. There is no harm to the
environment
environment by using renewable
because of the harmful
resources.
emissions.
Fun Facts
• Non-renewable resources like fossil fuels release harmful
chemicals into the air when they are burned.
• Renewable resources are so abundant that they almost never
run out.
• One wind turbine can generate enough electricity to power
1,400 households.
• Renewable energy creates three times more jobs than fossil
fuels can create.
Summary
Resources refer to all the materials present in our environment
which are used by living beings. Natural resources are materials
present in nature and are used by humans. Renewable resources
are those which cannot be depleted and could be reused.
Examples of renewable resources include air, water, soil, solar
energy, etc. Natural resources that are limited in quantity are
referred to as non-renewable resources. The examples are coal,
petroleum, etc.
