What does it mean that a source of energy is nonrenewable?
1 answer
When a source of energy is nonrenewable, it means that it occurs naturally in limited quantities and cannot be replenished within a human lifetime or at the same rate it is consumed. Nonrenewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) and nuclear fuels (uranium), take millions of years to form. Once they are extracted and used, they cannot be replaced in the same timeframe, making them finite resources. This limited availability can lead to depletion, scarcity, and eventually their complete exhaustion over time. Additionally, nonrenewable energy sources often have negative environmental impacts, such as air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which further adds to the reasons for transitioning to renewable energy alternatives.