nonrenewable resources
Depletable natural supplies
Nonrenewable resources are natural materials that cannot be replenished on a human timescale once depleted.
Fossil fuels—coal, oil, natural gas—are the primary examples, formed over millions of years from ancient organic matter.
Minerals and ores also qualify.
The term contrasts with renewable resources like solar energy or timber: The country's economy depends heavily on nonrenewable resources.
Combustible sedimentary rock
- oilSlippery viscous fluid
- natural gasSubterranean hydrocarbon fuel
- petroleumNatural underground hydrocarbon liquid
- crude oilUnrefined fossil fuel
bitumen · tar sands · shale oil · peat · anthracite · lignite · gasoline · diesel
State of utter depletion
- overconsumptionExcessive use of resources
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- peak oilMaximum global extraction rate
- strip miningRemoving overburden for minerals
clearcutting · overfishing · soil erosion · unsustainable · finite · exhaustible · irreplaceable
Metal-bearing rock
- uraniumElement ninety-two
- platinumDense precious silvery metal
- goldElement seventy-nine
- silverLustrous white precious metal
copper · zinc · nickel · tin · lead · diamonds · bauxite · iron ore
Environmental harm from waste
- greenhouse gasesEmissions that trap heat
- carbon footprintTotal greenhouse gases produced
- climate changePlanetary atmospheric transformation
- habitat destructionEliminating natural living spaces
deforestation · acid rain · oil spills · biodiversity loss · air pollution · land reclamation · toxic runoff
Ban on petroleum exports
- energy policyRules governing fuel use
- strategic reservesAssets saved for emergencies
- rationingLimiting distribution during scarcity
- geopoliticsGeography's role in statecraft
OPEC · supply disruption · trade sanctions · stockpiling · energy independence
Maintaining something's condition
- efficiencyProductive without waste
- stewardshipResponsible care of entrusted things
- rationingLimiting distribution during scarcity
- regulationOfficial rules governing conduct
coal
Combustible sedimentary rock
- oilSlippery viscous fluid
- natural gasSubterranean hydrocarbon fuel
- petroleumNatural underground hydrocarbon liquid
crude oil · bitumen · tar sands · shale oil · peat · anthracite · lignite · gasoline · diesel · kerosene
exhaustion
State of utter depletion
- overconsumptionExcessive use of resources
- exploitationSelfish use of others
- peak oilMaximum global extraction rate
strip mining · clearcutting · overfishing · soil erosion · unsustainable · finite · exhaustible · irreplaceable
ore
Metal-bearing rock
silver · copper · zinc · nickel · tin · lead · diamonds · bauxite · iron ore · phosphate
pollution
Environmental harm from waste
- greenhouse gasesEmissions that trap heat
- carbon footprintTotal greenhouse gases produced
- climate changePlanetary atmospheric transformation
habitat destruction · deforestation · acid rain · oil spills · biodiversity loss · air pollution · land reclamation · toxic runoff
oil embargo
Ban on petroleum exports
- energy policyRules governing fuel use
- strategic reservesAssets saved for emergencies
- rationingLimiting distribution during scarcity
geopolitics · OPEC · supply disruption · trade sanctions · stockpiling · energy independence
preservation
Maintaining something's condition
- efficiencyProductive without waste
- stewardshipResponsible care of entrusted things
- rationingLimiting distribution during scarcity
nonrenewable resourcesrenewable resources
Supplies that naturally replenish
renewable energy · sustainable resources · solar energy · wind power · geothermal energy
nonrenewable, renewable, renewal, renewability, renewed, renewing, resource, resources, resourceful