Nonrenewable

Nonrenewable refers to natural resources that are not replenished on a human timescale. Most nonrenewables form very slowly in geological processes, so consumption today can outpace natural formation by many orders of magnitude. As a result, these resources are finite and can become scarcer with continued use.

Nonrenewables are commonly categorized into energy resources and material resources. Energy nonrenewables include fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—and, in many contexts, certain nuclear fuels such as uranium. Material nonrenewables comprise mineral ores and metals such as iron ore, copper, aluminum, and phosphate rock. These resources provide raw materials for industry, infrastructure, and energy generation, but their extraction and use are limited by geology and technology.

Key characteristics of nonrenewables include uneven geographic distribution, finite overall stock, and a dependence on extraction, processing, and transport that can entail environmental and social impacts. Their depletion can drive price volatility and supply security concerns, and extraction activities may affect ecosystems, air and water quality, and climate.

Management of nonrenewables emphasizes efficiency and substitution. Strategies include reducing demand through conservation and technology, transitioning to renewable energy sources, enhancing material recycling and reuse, and improving extraction methods to minimize environmental damage. Policy tools such as pricing externalities, incentives for substitutes, and international cooperation aim to balance economic needs with long-term resource availability. The overall goal is to reduce unsustainable reliance on nonrenewables while maintaining reliable energy and material supplies.