Earth Resources and Energy
Earth provides resources that power our society and economies. Understanding the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources is essential for planning a sustainable future.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Non-renewable resources (fossil fuels, minerals) take millions of years to form and can be depleted
Renewable resources (solar, wind, hydro) can be replenished within a human timescale
Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years
Australia has significant resources of both types; transitioning to renewables is a current challenge
Key Vocabulary
Renewable resource
A resource that can be replenished naturally within a human timescale
Non-renewable resource
A resource that forms very slowly and cannot be replaced once used up
Fossil fuel
Coal, oil, and natural gas formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years
Solar energy
Energy from sunlight, captured using photovoltaic panels or solar thermal systems
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Which of the following is a renewable energy resource?
Question 2
Fossil fuels formed from:
Question 3
Why is transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources important?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Non-renewable resources (fossil fuels, minerals) take millions of years to form and can be depleted
- ●Renewable resources (solar, wind, hydro) can be replenished within a human timescale
- ●Fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) formed from ancient organic matter over millions of years
- ●Australia has significant resources of both types; transitioning to renewables is a current challenge