Difference Between Renewable and Non Renewable Resources

Everything around us starting from the food we eat to the clothes we wear comes from natural resources. These resources are materials or sources of energy that are found in nature and are used by human beings. 

The NCERT mentions: “We apply the term 'natural resources' to materials and substances that occur in Nature and are valuable to humans.”

These resources serve as the foundation for all human activities be it farming or building homes. Every species including human beings rely heavily on natural resources that is why it is important to understand how these resources are divided into categories. There are two major categories: renewable and non-renewable resources. Here are all the differences you need to know. 

What Are Renewable Resources?

The natural resources that can be replenished in a short period of time are known to be renewable resources. These resources get replenished as quickly as humans consume them that is why they are renewable. 

However, they need to be managed cautiously as continuous consumption without enough time to replenish them can create a disbalance. Some of the common examples of renewable resources are sunlight, wind, and flowing water. 

The NCERT mentions: “Solar energy, wind energy, energy from flowing water, timber from forests are renewable resources as long as we are able to manage them in a sustainable manner.”

What Are Non Renewable Resources?

On the other hand, non-renewable resources are created over a long period of time and they can’t be produced as quickly as they are consumed. These resources can take millions of years to form. 

Some of the common examples of non-renewable resources are fossil fuels, coal, natural gas and metals. 

These resources need to be used very cautiously as there is only a limited amount. As per International Energy Agency, oil and oil products accounted for 30% sources of energy worldwide in 2023. Similarly, coal and coal products accounted for 28% of the total energy supply in the world.

This shows that how the world heavily relies on non renewable sources of energy and how the shift needs to happen 

Key Differences Between Renewable and Non Renewable Resources

Advantages of Renewable Resources

Here are the advantages of renewable resources:

• Can be used continuously if managed properly. 

• Causes little to no pollution and helps to fight climate change. 

• Creates jobs and economic benefits. 

• The running cost is quite low. 

Disadvantages of Renewable Resources

• Some resources can’t be available every time. For example solar energy can’t be produced through solar panels on a cloudy day. 

• The set up costs of renewable energy systems can be quite expensive. Solar panels can reach upto lakhs of rupees 

• The setup of renewable energy sources can take up a lot of space. 

• There is still pollution from these resources. For example solar cells can degrade over time and need replacement. Their disposal can create pollution. 

Advantages of Non Renewable Resources

• These resources are energy rich which means small amounts can produce tons of energy to use. 

• Currently cheaper and easy to access and extract. 

• These resources can be used easily. From homes to factories, almost everything runs on non- renewable resources. 

• Most of the non-renewable resources are quite easy to store such as coal. 

Disadvantages of Non Renewable Resources

• Resources like coal, petroleum create lots of pollution and smog. 

• These resources can’t be restored or replenished quickly and need millions of years to form. 

• The extraction of these resources is time consuming. 

• Spillage of oil in oceans due to any accidents can damage the marine life.