How do renewable and non-renewable energy sources differ?

Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished, while non-renewable sources are finite and will eventually run out.

Renewable energy sources, as the name suggests, are those that can be replenished naturally in a short period of time. They are often referred to as 'clean' or 'green' energy because they produce fewer pollutants than non-renewable sources. Examples of renewable energy sources include solar power, wind power, hydroelectric power, tidal power, and geothermal energy. These sources harness natural phenomena such as sunlight, wind, water flow, tides, and heat from within the Earth to generate electricity.

On the other hand, non-renewable energy sources are those that do not replenish in a short period of time. They are finite resources that will eventually deplete. These include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, and nuclear energy. Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals over millions of years, and once used, they cannot be replaced. Nuclear energy, while not a fossil fuel, is also considered non-renewable because it relies on uranium, which is a finite resource.

The main difference between these two types of energy sources lies in their sustainability. Renewable energy sources are sustainable as they are constantly replenished and have less impact on the environment. Non-renewable energy sources, however, are not sustainable in the long run as they will eventually run out and their extraction and use can cause significant environmental damage, including air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and global warming.

In terms of cost, renewable energy sources have historically been more expensive to harness than non-renewable sources. However, technological advancements have significantly reduced these costs, making renewable energy increasingly competitive. Non-renewable energy sources, while often cheaper to extract and use, do not reflect the true cost to the environment and public health.