What are the risks of relying too much on nonrenewable resources for energy?
Answer (1)
Nonrenewable resources like coal, oil, and natural gas are energy sources that cannot be replaced quickly. They take millions of years to form, so once they are used up, they’re gone for a long time. While these resources have helped many countries grow economically, relying too much on them has serious risks.First, there’s the problem of depletion. If a country depends mostly on coal or oil and those resources run out or become too expensive, it will struggle to find alternative sources. For example, if the Philippines relies too much on imported oil and prices suddenly rise, electricity and transportation costs will go up, affecting everyone.Second, burning nonrenewables releases greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Coal-fired power plants and gas-powered vehicles emit large amounts of carbon dioxide. This leads to more intense storms, flooding, and rising sea levels. In an island nation like the Philippines, these climate effects are dangerous, especially for coastal communities.Third, there’s economic risk. Fossil fuel prices are unstable. A sudden increase can affect food prices, transportation, and electricity. Countries that import fuel spend billions that could have been used for education, health care, or infrastructure. For example, during the oil crisis of the 1970s, many Asian countries suffered high inflation because fuel was scarce and expensive.Lastly, relying on nonrenewables slows down investment in cleaner energy. If we don’t start building solar farms, wind turbines, or hydroelectric dams today, we won’t be ready when coal and oil are no longer enough.Nonrenewables are useful but risky. They are running out, pollute the Earth, and tie economies to unstable prices. The future of energy lies in renewables, which are cleaner, safer, and more sustainable for generations to come.
