Topic 2.1 - Resources and Reserves
Renewability
- The ability of a resource to replenish itself after being used. All resources renew themselves at various speeds -- from nearly instantaneous to millions of years.
Renewable Resources
- Useful materials or energy that can naturally regenerate itself at a rate equal to or faster than the rate it is being used, creating a potentially unlimited quantity.
Examples
- Sunlight
- Water
- Wind
- Ocean Currents
- Types of Wood
- Biomass (plants and animals)
- Geothermal (heat from the Earth)
- Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Carbon
- Plant and animal-based oils and fibers
- Soil
Non-Renewable resources
- Useful materials or energy that regenerates slower than it is being consumed, creating a limited or finite quantity. Once it is used, it cannot be replenished.
Examples