Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Resources

Natural resources are divided into two groups. Renewable resources can be replaced in a short time. Trees, water, and sunlight are renewable. Nonrenewable resources take millions of years to form. Coal, oil, and natural gas are nonrenewable. Once they are used up, they cannot be replaced quickly.

Renewable Resources

Renewable resources can be used again and again. The Sun provides solar energy every day. Wind keeps blowing and can power wind turbines. Trees can be planted to replace ones that are cut down. Water flows in rivers and can be used for hydroelectric power. These resources will not run out if we use them wisely.

Nonrenewable Resources

Nonrenewable resources formed over millions of years from ancient plants and animals. Coal, oil, and natural gas are called fossil fuels. Once we burn them, they are gone. Minerals and metals are also nonrenewable because they take so long to form. Scientists are working to find renewable alternatives to replace nonrenewable resources.

Fun Facts

• The Sun produces enough energy in one hour to power the entire world for a year.
• It takes about 300 million years for dead plants to turn into coal.
• Iceland gets nearly all its energy from renewable sources like geothermal heat and hydropower.

Did You Know?

Fossil fuels got their name because they formed from fossils. The oil we pump from the ground today was made from tiny sea creatures that lived and died hundreds of millions of years ago!