Natural Resources

NONRENEWABLE RESOURCES A nonrenewable resource is a natural resource that cannot be re-made or re-grown at a scale comparable to its consumption.

Nuclear fission uses uranium to create energy. NUCLEAR ENERGY Nuclear fission uses uranium to create energy. Nuclear energy is a nonrenewable resource because once the uranium is used, it is gone!

Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy Low greenhouse gas levels Large power-generating capacity Very little air pollution because it is not burned Cons: Non-renewable High construction cost High risks in an accident Not easy or safe to ship

Fossil Fuels Coal, petroleum, and natural gas are considered nonrenewable because they can not be replenished in a short period of time. These are called fossil fuels.

HOW IS COAL MADE ???

HOW ARE OIL AND GAS MADE ???

WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COAL AND OIL/GAS?

Pros and Cons of Fossil Fuels Considered to be highly efficient Widely used Delivery system already exists Cons: Non-renewable Emits pollutants into the air when burned Explosive and potentially dangerous

HMMMM.... If nonrenewable resources are resources that cannot be re-made at a scale comparable to its consumption, what are renewable resources?

RENEWABLE RESOURCES Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished in a short period of time. ● Solar ● Geothermal ● Wind ● Biomass ● Water

Why is energy from the sun renewable? SOLAR Energy from the sun. Why is energy from the sun renewable?

Pros and Cons of Solar Energy Renewable Non-polluting Low maintenance Cons: Intermittent Expensive Produce low grade energy

GEOTHERMAL Energy from Earth’s heat. Why is energy from the heat of the Earth renewable?

Pros and Cons of Geothermal Energy Renewable Clean Stable Cons: Initial cost is very high Only reasonable to extract it in certain places Generates very little energy compared to other sources

Why is energy from the wind renewable?

Pros and Cons of Wind Energy Clean Energy Renewable Power essentially free once infrastructure is paid for Cons: Inconsistent Wind from turbines and land needed make them only good in rural areas Wildlife fatalities

BIOMASS Energy from burning organic or living matter. Why is energy from biomass renewable?

Pros and Cons of Biomass Energy Renewable Widely Available Low cost Cons: Some fuels are seasonal Energy intensive to produce May compete directly with food production (corn, soy)

WATER or HYDROELECTRIC Energy from the flow of water. Why is energy of flowing water renewable?

Pros and Cons of Hydroelectric Energy Little to no pollution Renewable Little cost after building dam Cons: Building the power station is VERY expensive Flooding disrupts the ecosystem Dams prevent fish from swimming upstream

What are the differences between nonrenewable and renewable resources? SUMMARY What are the differences between nonrenewable and renewable resources?