Nonrenewability

Nonrenewability refers to the characteristic of certain natural resources that do not accumulate or replenish on a timescale meaningful to human societies. A nonrenewable resource exists in a finite stock and is formed by geological processes far slower than the rate at which it is consumed. Common examples include fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—as well as many metallic ores and mineral commodities such as copper, silver, and rare earth elements. By contrast, renewables such as solar energy, wind, biomass, and hydroelectric power are replenished on timescales comparable to or shorter than their use.

Because replenishment is slow or effectively zero, continued use tends to reduce available stocks. Economists distinguish between reserves (the portion of resources known to be recoverable under current conditions) and resources (all deposits, including those not yet economically recoverable). The rate of extraction, technological change, and market prices influence whether a resource is depleted or whether new reserves are found.

Nonrenewability has major implications for energy security, economic planning, and the environment. Reliance on nonrenewable resources is often associated with concerns about supply disruptions and price volatility, as well as environmental impacts from extraction and combustion. Policy responses include improving energy efficiency, developing alternative and renewable energy sources, and increasing material recycling and circular economy approaches to extend the useful life of finite materials.

Although materials like aluminum and steel can be recycled, making production from recycled feedstock reduces the need to mine virgin ore, nonrenewable stocks still constrain long-term availability.