Our rich planet has provided us with a wealth of energy resources over the millennia, from basic fuels such as wood and charcoal to modern scientific resources such as nuclear energy. Some of these energy resources are in unlimited supply, but others are being depleted and will eventually run out.
Nature provides us with a number of energy resources, which have been utilised by primitive civilisations and continue to be useful today. Wood burning is certainly an ancient way of heating and cooking and is still very much in use today both in developing and developed nations. In fact, wood burning, or biomass energy, is being encouraged in developed countries as one of our renewable energy resources.
Renewable energy resources involve, one way or another, harnessing a form of natural power, whether it be from the wind, sun or water. These have been used successfully over the centuries and are on the rise again in many developed countries as clean, everlasting energy resources.
Fossil fuels are also natural energy resources, but, due to the fact that they take millions of years to form, are not in unlimited supply and have been severely depleted in recent centuries. They also cause environmental issues due to mining and the greenhouse gas emissions created by their burning. These are a major contributor to climate change
Nuclear power is a modern energy resource and one which has proven to be contentious. Whilst its day-to-day use does not cause emissions or other direct environmental problems, the risk of nuclear accident and the resulting radiation is a cause of grave concern to many. For more information visit the World Nuclear Association
