We can classify natural resources as either renewable or nonrenewable. Coal, oil, and gas are nonrenewable. They take millions of years to form. Some scientists predict that we will run out of oil and gas in 50 to 100 years. Coal is more plentiful. So it may last for hundreds of years. Resources such as wood and water are renewable. They can be grown or recycled naturally. They can, however, become limited from overuse.
We have developed some alternate sources of energy. But these sources have drawbacks. For example, hydroelectric power, or energy from running water, affects the ecology of surrounding areas. Nuclear power, another alternate source, presents the threat of nuclear accidents. There are also problems related to the storage of nuclear wastes. Solar and wind energies aren’t consistent. We can’t rely on them. Geothermal energy, caused by heat from inside the earth, is tapped by drawing steam and hot water from pools and geysers. This energy source, like most others, isn’t fully developed.
It’s time to get serious about energy. We must find practical alternate energy sources. If we wait too long, it will be too late. We will run out of coal, oil, and natural gas. Then we won’t have the resources to make alternate energy sources.