Renewable and Non-renewable Resources

Summary

The video discusses natural resources and their impact on the environment. It distinguishes between renewable resources, like sunlight, wind, and water, which are replenished naturally, and non-renewable resources, like fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), which are finite. The process of extracting and using fossil fuels, such as coal mining and drilling for oil and gas, causes environmental damage, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. The burning of fossil fuels contributes to global warming, leading to rising sea levels, melting ice caps, and habitat disruption for various species.

Takeaways

• 😀 Natural resources are parts of the Earth that people use, such as sunlight, wind, water, plants, animals, and fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
• 🌱 Renewable natural resources are replenished by nature and won't run out, allowing for their use by future generations. Examples include sunlight, wind, and water.
• ⛽ Non-renewable natural resources, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), cannot be replenished at the same rate they are being used.
• 🌍 Fossil fuels are formed over millions of years from organic matter subjected to heat and pressure deep beneath the Earth's surface.
• 🚗 Fossil fuels are used in combustion engines to power vehicles and to generate electricity for various needs.
• 🏞️ Coal mining causes significant environmental changes, including habitat loss, as trees and plants are cleared to make space for mines and roads.
• 🐾 Habitat loss occurs when human activity removes essential resources for wildlife, leading many species to either move or die.
• 💧 Natural gas and petroleum extraction involves drilling deep into the Earth, which can lead to land and water pollution if mishandled or if spills occur.
• 🌫️ The burning of fossil fuels releases harmful emissions into the air, contributing to air pollution and climate change.
• 🌡️ Greenhouse gases from fossil fuel emissions trap solar radiation, accelerating global warming and causing melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels.
• 🌿 Human-induced climate change has caused changes to Earth’s habitats, making them unsuitable for many species, threatening biodiversity and ecosystems.

Q & A

What is a natural resource?

A natural resource is a part of the Earth that people use, including things like sunlight, wind, water, plants, animals, and fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.

What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?

Renewable resources are those that are replenished by nature and can be used both now and by future generations, like sunlight, wind, and water. Non-renewable resources, like fossil fuels, are not replenished at the same rate they are used and can eventually run out.

Can you give examples of renewable natural resources?

Examples of renewable natural resources include sunlight, wind, and water.

What are non-renewable resources, and why are they problematic?

Non-renewable resources, such as fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, are problematic because they cannot be replenished quickly enough to match their rate of consumption, meaning they could eventually be depleted.

How are fossil fuels formed?

Fossil fuels are formed when organic matter deep beneath the Earth's surface is subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years.

What are some uses of fossil fuels?

Fossil fuels are used in combustion engines to power vehicles, and they are also used to generate electricity.

How does coal mining impact the environment?

Coal mining can cause large-scale environmental changes, including the removal of trees and plants to make way for the mine and the roads needed for transport. A significant impact is habitat loss, as the changes in the environment result in insufficient resources for organisms to survive.

What environmental problems are caused by drilling for natural gas and petroleum?

Drilling for natural gas and petroleum can lead to land and water pollution, especially when chemicals used in the drilling process contaminate the environment. Fossil fuel spills also contribute to environmental damage.

What are the harmful effects of burning fossil fuels?

The burning of fossil fuels leads to air pollution, releasing harmful emissions and greenhouse gases that contribute to human-induced climate change by trapping solar radiation in the atmosphere, which accelerates global warming.

How has human-induced climate change impacted the Earth?

Human-induced climate change has caused the Earth's temperature to rise at an accelerated rate, leading to rising ocean water levels, the melting of polar ice caps, and significant changes in many habitats, making them unsuitable for organisms that depend on them.