key term - Non-renewable Energy Source

Definition

A non-renewable energy source refers to an energy resource that cannot be replenished or regenerated at a rate comparable to its consumption. These sources, such as fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas), are finite and will eventually run out if used excessively.

Related terms

Fossil Fuels:

Fossil fuels are hydrocarbon-based resources formed from ancient organic matter buried deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years. They are the most commonly used non-renewable energy sources.

Greenhouse Effect:

The greenhouse effect refers to the trapping of heat in Earth's atmosphere due to certain gases (such as carbon dioxide) that prevent some heat from escaping into space. Burning non-renewable energy sources contributes to this effect by releasing greenhouse gases.

Peak Oil/Peak Gas/Peak Coal: These terms refer to the point at which global production rates of oil, natural gas, or coal reach their maximum levels before starting a decline due to depletion. It signifies that these non-renewable resources are becoming scarcer and harder to extract.