- 2071 Chaitra · 4 marks
Short note: Renewable and non-renewable resources
Short answer
Renewable resources are replenished naturally on a human time scale, such as solar, wind, water, forests and biomass, and can be used indefinitely if managed. Non-renewable resources are finite and formed over millions of years, including coal, oil, gas and minerals. Nepal has large hydropower potential but imports almost all petroleum.
Write a short note on renewable and non renewable resources.
Natural resources are materials and energy from nature that people use. Based on whether they can be replaced, they are divided into renewable and non-renewable resources.
Renewable resources
Resources that are naturally replenished in a short time (human time scale), if used wisely.
- Examples: solar energy, wind, water (hydropower), forests, biomass, fish, wildlife, fertile soil.
- They can be used again and again, but some (forest, soil, groundwater) can be exhausted if used faster than they regenerate.
- Nepal is rich in renewable resources: large hydropower potential, forests, solar and biomass.
Non-renewable resources
Resources formed over millions of years and present in a fixed amount; once used they cannot be replaced in human time.
- Examples: coal, petroleum, natural gas, uranium, metallic minerals (iron, copper), stone and sand deposits.
- Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ and causes air pollution and climate change.
- Nepal imports almost all its petroleum, which is a heavy burden on its trade balance.
| Basis | Renewable | Non-renewable |
|---|---|---|
| Regeneration | Natural, fast | Very slow or none |
| Stock | Unlimited if managed | Limited, finite |
| Examples | Sun, wind, water, forest | Coal, oil, gas, minerals |
| Pollution | Usually low | Usually high |
| Cost over time | Low running cost | Rising as stocks fall |
Wise use: shift to renewable energy, use non-renewable resources efficiently, recycle minerals and manage renewable resources sustainably.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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