Renewable resources are those that can be replenished and used again and again without running out. Examples of renewable resources include wind, solar, tidal, and hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power is energy generated by the flow of water. It is a renewable resource because water in rivers and streams continues to flow as long as it rains. Sustainable is a term that generally refers to resources that can be used indefinitely without harming the environment or depleting the resource.
Nonrenewable resources, on the other hand, are those that are finite and will eventually run out. Petroleum is an example of a nonrenewable resource. It takes millions of years for petroleum to form and once it is used, it is gone forever. Nonrenewable resources can have negative environmental impacts as well, such as air pollution from burning fossil fuels.
Overall, renewable resources such as hydroelectric power and sustainable resources are better choices for long-term use because they do not have a limited supply and do not harm the environment as much. Nonrenewable resources such as petroleum are often used in the short term for convenience, but in the long term, they are not a sustainable option.
Explain the difference between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Be sure to include the following words in your answer.
Petroleum
Hydroelectric power
Sustainable
1 answer