Advantages of renewable and non-renewable resources - SS2 Geography Lesson Note

Advantages of Renewable Resources:

1. Sustainability: Renewable resources, like solar and wind energy, are sustainable and won't run out. They can be used for generations to come.
2. Environmentally Friendly: They produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions, making them better for the environment and reducing climate change.
3. Low Operating Costs: Once set up, renewable energy sources often have lower operating costs, as they rely on natural processes.
4. Energy Independence: Using renewables can reduce a country's reliance on imported fossil fuels, increasing energy independence.
5. Distributed Energy: Many renewable sources can be harnessed locally, reducing the need for long-distance energy transport.

 

Disadvantages of Renewable Resources:

1. Intermittency: Solar and wind energy are weather-dependent, which can result in intermittency issues and the need for energy storage.
2. High Initial Costs: The installation of renewable energy systems can be expensive, although costs are decreasing.
3. Land Use: Some renewable technologies, like large solar and wind farms, require substantial land use.
4. Resource Variability: The availability of renewable resources varies by location, limiting their universal applicability.

 

Advantages of Non-Renewable Resources:

1. Abundant Energy: Non-renewable resources, especially fossil fuels, have been the primary source of energy for centuries due to their abundance.
2. Reliable Energy Supply: They provide a continuous and reliable source of energy, unaffected by weather or location.
3. Well-Developed Infrastructure: The infrastructure for extracting and using non-renewable resources is well-established.
4. Concentrated Energy: Fossil fuels, in particular, pack a lot of energy in a small volume, making them efficient for transport and storage.

 

Disadvantages of Non-Renewable Resources:

1. Limited Availability: These resources are finite and will eventually be depleted, leading to future energy shortages.
2. Environmental Impact: The extraction and use of non-renewable resources can cause pollution, habitat destruction, and contribute to climate change.
3. Geopolitical Issues: Dependency on non-renewable resources can lead to geopolitical conflicts over access and control.
4. Price Volatility: Non-renewable resource prices can be subject to significant fluctuations, impacting the economy.