non-renewables
Depletable energy sources
Non-renewables are natural resources that cannot be replaced once depleted, or that regenerate only over geological timescales—millions of years.
The term typically refers to fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, but also includes minerals and metals.
The world's dependence on non-renewables is driving climate change.
Often contrasted with renewables like solar and wind energy.
Combustible sedimentary rock
- oilSlippery viscous fluid
- petroleumNatural underground hydrocarbon liquid
- dieselCompression-ignition fuel
- gasolineRefined petroleum vehicle fuel
bitumen · peat · anthracite · lignite · propane · butane · naphtha · combustion
Having definite bounds
- exhaustibleAble to be used up
- scarcityInsufficiency of something needed
- dwindlingProgressively becoming smaller
- consumptionUsing up of resources
overuse · unsustainable · reserves · stockpile · exploitation · overconsumption · irreplaceable
Reddish-brown metallic element
nickel · tungsten · chromium · manganese · phosphate · potash · lithium · cobalt
Element ninety-two
- plutoniumActinide, atomic number 94
- thoriumActinide, atomic number ninety
- yellowcakeConcentrated uranium oxide powder
- enrichmentImprovement through addition
fission · reactor · centrifuge · half-life · radioactive · isotopes
Element seventy-nine
- silverLustrous white precious metal
- platinumDense precious silvery metal
- palladiumElement forty-six, catalytic metal
- diamondsPrecious crystallized carbon
gemstones · rhodium · iridium · ruthenium · osmium · bullion · carat · assay
Substances released into air
- pollutionEnvironmental harm from waste
- smogSunlight-activated urban pollution
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
- spillsAccidental liquid escapes
coal
Combustible sedimentary rock
- oilSlippery viscous fluid
- petroleumNatural underground hydrocarbon liquid
- dieselCompression-ignition fuel
gasoline · bitumen · peat · anthracite · lignite · propane · butane · naphtha · combustion · refinery
finite
Having definite bounds
- exhaustibleAble to be used up
- scarcityInsufficiency of something needed
- dwindlingProgressively becoming smaller
consumption · overuse · unsustainable · reserves · stockpile · exploitation · overconsumption · irreplaceable
copper
Reddish-brown metallic element
tin · nickel · tungsten · chromium · manganese · phosphate · potash · lithium · cobalt · coltan
uranium
Element ninety-two
- plutoniumActinide, atomic number 94
- thoriumActinide, atomic number ninety
- yellowcakeConcentrated uranium oxide powder
enrichment · fission · reactor · centrifuge · half-life · radioactive · isotopes
gold
Element seventy-nine
- silverLustrous white precious metal
- platinumDense precious silvery metal
- palladiumElement forty-six, catalytic metal
diamonds · gemstones · rhodium · iridium · ruthenium · osmium · bullion · carat · assay · prospecting
emissions
Substances released into air
- pollutionEnvironmental harm from waste
- smogSunlight-activated urban pollution
- particulatesMinute airborne solids or droplets
non-renewablesrenewables
Replenishing energy sources
renewable resources · renewable energy · solar power · wind power · hydropower
non-renewablesclean energy
Power from sustainable sources
green energy · sustainable energy · clean power · alternative energy
non-renewable, renewable, renewables, renew, renewal, renewals, renewed, renewing, renews