Renewable & Nonrenewable Resources
By: Stephen, and Mercy
Renewable Resources:
Solar, Nuclear(uranium/plutonium), Hydroelectric, Wind, Geothermal, and Biofuel Energies
Wind Energy
This is a renewable type of energy. It is obtained when wind blows right next to a big turbine, which spins and generates energy. The energy can be used for anything.
Pros:
- Reliable energy
Cons:
- Birds can be killed
- Cell phone reception gets worse
- Expensive
Solar Energy
This is a renewable type of energy. It is obtained when a solar panel collects sunlight and turns it into energy.
Pros:
- Silent
- Efficient
Cons:
- Expensive
- Doesn't work on cloudy days
Hydroelectric Energy
This is a renewable type of energy. It is obtained when a river runs through a dam and the dam collects energy.
Pros:
Pros:
- Efficient
Cons:
- Expensive to build
- Decreases fish harvest
Nuclear Energy
This is a renewable type of energy. It is obtained when uranium/plutonium nuclei split into smaller nuclei and release heat energy through nuclear fission. This resource doesn't have a large negative effect on the environment.
Pros:
- very small amounts of pollution
- very reliable
Cons:
- radioactive waste- has to be monitored for 10,000 years after it is used
- a nuclear meltdown can occur
Geothermal Energy
This is a renewable type of energy. It is obtained when Earth's interior heat heats groundwater and the water turns to steam. This is a very good resource for the environment.
Pros:
- reliable
Cons:
- can only be done at plate boundaries
Wood
This is a nonrenewable resource. This is obtained when trees are cut down and turned into energy when the wood is burned. This is a better resource for the environment than coal or oil but harms the environment when too much is collected.
Pros:
- provides paper, lumber, and furniture
Cons:
- Oxygen will decrease, CO2 will increase
Oil
This is a nonrenewable resource. Oil is obtained when the ground is drilled into and then the oil is pumped out. This harms the environment when drilled for.
Pros:
- reliable
Cons:
- releases CO2 when burned
- oil spills
Biofuel Energy
This is a renewable resource. Biofuel is obtained when living organisms are dead or recently dead and turned into fuel.
Pros:
- less expensive that gas
- Carbon emissions are less that gas
Cons:
- lower energy output
Coal
This is a nonrenewable resource. Coal is obtained through mining and is burned and used for energy. Harms the environment when mined for.
Pros:
- High energy
- Low cost
Cons:
- High land use
- severe human threat
Natural Gas
This resource is renewable. This is obtained through drilling.
Drilling for this harms the environment mildly.
Pros:
- cleanest burning
Cons:
- drilling harms the environment.
Peat
This is a renewable resource. It is harvested and can harm the environment if it is not properly managed.
Pros:
- less expensive
Cons:
- produces less energy