Finite and renewable resources

In a nutshell

The Earth has a finite (limited) supply of resources, which must be used sustainably. Sustainable means using resources in a way that minimises harm to the environment and leaves enough resources for future generations.

Resources

Definition

Resources are useful materials. Humans compete with other animals for natural resources. Natural resources are not man-made and come from the Earth itself.

Example

Some natural resources include:

Plants
Water
Space

Fossil fuels

Definition

Fossils fuels are fossils, formed from the remains of dead organisms millions of years ago, which are used as fuel. Fossil fuels are natural resources. Coal and crude oil are fossil fuels that humans use for:

Electricity
Heat
Engine fuel

Fossil fuels are finite resources because they are non-renewable. This means they cannot be remade as quickly as they are used up, as they take millions of years to make. Fossil fuels are unsustainable as they release pollution when burned. Pollution refers to harmful substances in the environment, which can harm humans, animals and plants.

Renewable resources

Definition

Renewable resources are useful materials that do not run out. Renewable sources are remade at the same rate that they are used up. These resources are therefore more sustainable than fossil fuels. Renewable energy resources are used to generate electricity.

Example

Some examples of renewable energy resources are:

Solar energy from the sun
Wind energy from wind turbines
Geothermal energy from the Earth's internal heat

Another benefit of these energy sources over fossil fuels is that they produce very little pollution. However, they can be less reliable than fossil fuels.

Example

The speed and strength of wind is not always enough to produce energy in wind turbines. It can also be very expensive to produce and run the new equipment required for wind turbines.

Biofuel

Biofuels are renewable fuels made of living matter, usually plants.

Advantages of biofuels	disadvantages of biofuel
Sulfur-free so they do not contribute to sulfur dioxide emissions.	Deforestation required to grow crops.
Reduce landfill waste.	Vehicle engines have to be modified.
Reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as the carbon dioxide released during combustion is equal to the carbon dioxide taken in when the plants grow.	Fossil fuels burned during production, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere so biofuels are not carbon neutral.