Natural Resources
Renewable and non-renewable resources
Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources
Renewable resources can be replaced naturally (sun, wind, water, trees). Non-renewable resources will eventually run out (coal, oil, gas, minerals). South Africa depends heavily on non-renewable resources like coal and gold.
Example
SA's Resources
Non-renewable: coal (electricity), gold, platinum, diamonds, iron
Renewable: sunshine (solar), wind, water (hydro)
SA is world's top producer of platinum and manganese.
About 80% of SA's electricity comes from coal.
Note
Remember
Non-renewable resources took millions of years to form and cannot be replaced. We must develop renewable alternatives. SA has excellent conditions for solar and wind energy — this is our future!
Key Vocabulary
Renewable resourceA resource that can be replaced naturally
Non-renewable resourceA resource that will run out because it cannot be replaced
Fossil fuelA fuel formed from ancient plants/animals (coal, oil, gas)
SustainableUsing resources without harming the future
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Renewable resource
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