The difference between renewable and non-renewable resources is that a renewable resource is replenished by the natural world within a realistic timeframe to be used again. Coal is a finite resource because the conditions that were in place to form coal are long gone. Even if the conditions were right, coal regeneration within our lifetimes could not happen because it would take millions of years for new coal reserves to solidify.
The coal we use today started as living plants millions of years ago. The plants soaked up water and light which they then used to create energy through photosynthesis.
These plants were located in areas with a lot of swampy lands with groundwater in or even on top of the soil. Over millions of years, the plants died and sank to the bottom of the bog as they decomposed. Slowly these sediments worked their way deeper into the ground. Time and pressure from tons of weight eventually compacted the carbon and energy-rich plant remains into solid black or dark brown coal deep in the earth.
Because the atmosphere of the earth was very different when the coal formed, the conditions to create new coal no longer exist on a large scale. Now we mine for coal by digging deep into these compacted layers.
Coal mining is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Miners have to dig hundreds of feet into the ground and breathe in fine particles that can cause health problems in the eyes, nose, throat, and can even cause serious lung disease. Unearthing the coal can also release dangerous gasses into the air that can harm the coal miners and cause explosions. Miners also run the risk of being trapped in the mines. There are even underground fires that burn for decades, releasing more fumes and gasses into the atmosphere.
Furthermore, as is evidenced by the dangers of miners on the front lines of coal collection, coal is not a clean energy source. Burning coal releases hazardous emissions such as carbon dioxide, mercury, sulfur, and other toxic chemicals into the air. The consequences are widespread health issues and damage to the global environment causing and worsening climate change. Some of the other common fossil fuels still used today are petroleum oil , natural gas, and uranium used for nuclear power plants.
Nonrenewable sources. Oil and petroleum products. Diesel fuel. Heating oil. Also in Oil and petroleum products explained Oil and petroleum products Refining crude oil Where our oil comes from Imports and exports Offshore oil and gas Use of oil Prices and outlook Oil and the environment. Also in Gasoline explained Gasoline Octane in depth Where our gasoline comes from Use of gasoline Prices and outlook Factors affecting gasoline prices Regional price differences Price fluctuations History of gasoline Gasoline and the environment.
Also in Diesel fuel explained Diesel fuel Where our diesel comes from Use of diesel Prices and outlook Factors affecting diesel prices Diesel fuel surcharges Diesel and the environment. Also in Heating oil explained Heating oil Where our heating oil comes from Use of heating oil Prices and outlook Factors affecting heating oil prices. Hydrocarbon Gas Liquids. Natural gas. Also in Hydrocarbon gas liquids explained Hydrocarbon gas liquids Where do hydrocarbon gas liquids come from?
Transporting and storing Uses of hydrocarbon gas liquids Imports and exports Prices. Also in Natural gas explained Natural gas Delivery and storage Natural gas pipelines Liquefied natural gas Where our natural gas comes from Imports and exports How much gas is left Use of natural gas Prices Factors affecting natural gas prices Natural gas and the environment Customer choice programs.
Also in Coal explained Coal Mining and transportation Where our coal comes from Imports and exports How much coal is left Use of coal Prices and outlook Coal and the environment.
Renewable sources. Renewable energy. Biofuels: Ethanol and Biomass-based diesel. Also in Hydropower explained Hydropower Where hydropower is generated Hydropower and the environment Tidal power Wave power Ocean thermal energy conversion.
Also in Biofuels explained Biofuels Ethanol Use and supply of ethanol Ethanol and the environment Biomass-based diesel fuels Use of biomass-based diesel fuel Biomass-based diesel and the environment. Also in Wind explained Wind Electricity generation from wind Where wind power is harnessed Types of wind turbines History of wind power Wind energy and the environment.
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You cannot download interactives. However, over time, there has been a shift in demand for cheaper and cleaner fuel options, such as the nonrenewable energy source of natural gas, and renewable options like solar power and wind energy.
Each energy resource has its advantages and disadvantages. Explore nonrenewable and renewable options with this collection on energy resources. What is a fossil fuel and what is being done to make fossil fuels more environmentally friendly? Fossil fuels form from the remains of prehistoric dead animals and plants due to geologic processes.
Non-renewable energy comes from sources that will eventually run out, such as oil and coal. Join our community of educators and receive the latest information on National Geographic's resources for you and your students.
Skip to content. Photograph by Getty Images. Twitter Facebook Pinterest Google Classroom. Encyclopedic Entry Vocabulary. Carboniferous Period. Fossil fuels formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals. Fuel used to produce nuclear energy.
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