A Snapshot: Inexhaustible resources are those that have an infinite supply and are impossible to deplete, even when constantly exploited by people. Solar, wind, geothermal, water, soil, air, ocean waves, and tides are examples of such resources.
Nature has bestowed to mankind a wealth of natural resources. The exploitation of those resources contributes to our economy’s growth. Unfortunately, some of those natural resources are finite and may be depleted. However, there are some resources that are unlikely to be depleted, and they are referred to as inexhaustible resources.
Take a look at what the terms ‘resources’ and ‘inexhaustible’ mean to get a better understanding of inexhaustible resources.
Resources are the sources from which value or benefit is derived. Labor, land, transportation, water, money, technology, and so forth are some examples.
Some resources are natural, while others are man-made. Natural resources exist without the need for human intervention. That is to say, they do not exist as a result of human activity. Coal, fossils, limestone, water, solar energy, biofuel, and a variety of other materials are examples. Some natural resources may be depleted, while others are thought to be endless.
What does the term “inexhaustible” mean? ‘Inexhaustible,’ according to Merriam Webster, simply means “something that cannot be used up” or “anything that cannot be worn out.”
Key Points: Resources are sources of value. Labor, land, transportation, water, finance, coal, air, and other resources are examples of resources. Something that cannot be used up or exhausted is said to be inexhaustible.
Inexhaustible resources are resources that are thought to exist in an infinite supply and are impossible to exhaust. In other words, under any circumstance of use, inexhaustible resources are extremely unlikely to run out or become exhausted. Solar, wind, water, geothermal are examples.
Renewable resources are sometimes known as inexhaustible resources. However, not all renewable resources are inexhaustible. At the end of this post, you’ll find an explanation.
Consider some examples of endless resources and why they are referred regarded as such.
Key Points: Inexhaustible resources are those that, despite human exploitation, cannot be exhausted or depleted.
Solar is the ultimate inexhaustible resource because it is a function of most inexhaustible energy resources like wind, water, geothermal, etc. So, as long as the sun exists, other inexhaustible energy resources will keep existing.
The amount and quality of these infinite resources differ depending on where you are on the planet. They’re also extremely versatile.
Key Points: Solar, wind, geothermal, water, ocean waves and tides, and the atmosphere are examples of inexhaustible resources.
Key Points: Inexhaustible resources can be used for electricity generation, transportation, domestic and agricultural purposes.
Inexhaustible resources can never be drained or exhausted under any circumstances, but renewable resources can be depleted but easily regenerated. In other words, renewable resources can be depleted if they are used more than they are provided, whereas inexhaustible resources will continue to supply even if they are exploited continuously. Solar and wind, for example, are limitless resources, but wood is only renewable.
As a result, while all inexhaustible resources are renewable, not all renewable resources are inexhaustible.
Key Points: Some renewable resources can be depleted but renewed, but all inexhaustible resources can never be depleted.
No, not all renewable resources are inexhaustible. For example, wood is renewable but not inexhaustible.
Hydroelectric power is both renewable and inexhaustible. Hydropower utilises the energy of water to produce electricity.
And water can’t be exhausted and is also renewable.
Note: Water is considered renewable because it isn’t non-renewable. The amount of water on earth remains the same. So, it actually doesn’t replenish itself.
Yes, it is inexhaustible. Geothermal energy is gotten from heat generated from the cores of the earth. The cores constantly produce this heat. So far the earth’s core exists, geothermal energy can’t be exhausted.
Coal is not inexhaustible. Coal is a resource that is limited and will eventually get exhausted.
Yes, air is an inexhaustible resource. It contains various gases and particles that can’t be exhausted.
View Comments