Non-renewable resources are natural resources that cannot be readily replaced by natural means at a pace quick enough to keep up with consumption. These resources are finite and will eventually run out. Examples of non-renewable resources include:
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Fossil fuels: Coal, natural gas, and oil are all examples of fossil fuels. These resources are formed from the remains of plants and animals that died millions of years ago and are not being replenished at a rate that can keep up with current consumption levels.
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Uranium: Uranium is a non-renewable resource that is used to generate nuclear energy.
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Minerals and metal ores: Earth minerals and metal ores are examples of non-renewable resources. The metals themselves are present in vast amounts in Earths crust, and their extraction by humans only occurs where they are concentrated by natural geological processes enough to become economically viable to extract.
Non-renewable resources are contrasted with renewable resources, which are abundant and endless. Renewable resources include things like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which can be replenished naturally or sustained.
