Finite Resources
Finite resources are resources that are being used faster than they are formed. They will run out eventually, which is why we need to manage and use them sustainably.
What is a finite resource?
- A finite resource is a non-renewable resource
- It is made over millions of years, often deep underground
- Once it is used, it cannot be replaced in our lifetime
Examples of finite resources:
- Fossil fuels: coal, oil, natural gas
- Metal ores: iron, copper, aluminium
- Minerals: rock salt, limestone
💡 These are extracted from the Earth’s crust, the oceans, or the atmosphere
Renewable vs finite resources
Renewable | Finite |
Can be replaced naturally | Will run out eventually |
E.g. wood, crops, solar energy | E.g. coal, oil, metals |
Why is resource use increasing?
- Population growth = more demand for energy, food, and materials
- Rising living standards = more consumption per person
- Leads to depletion of natural resources and more pollution
Sustainable development
- Sustainability means meeting today’s needs without harming the future
- This includes:
- Reducing waste and recycling materials
- Using alternative resources (e.g. solar instead of fossil fuels)
- Developing greener technologies and efficient processes
Questions
- What is a finite resource?
- Name two examples of finite resources.
- What does ‘sustainable’ mean?
- Why are finite resources a concern?
- Give one example of a renewable resource.
Summary
- Finite resources are used faster than they are formed
- They include fossil fuels, metal ores, and minerals
- These are non-renewable and will eventually run out
- Renewable resources can be replaced naturally
- Using resources sustainably helps protect the future