Renewable resources are natural materials or forms of energy that can be replenished naturally within a human timescale. Unlike non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels, renewable resources regenerate through natural cycles, making them key to achieving sustainability. In IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS), understanding renewable resources helps students connect ecological principles with sustainable development and global energy solutions.
Quick Start Checklist for IB ESS Students
- Define renewable resources and differentiate them from non-renewable resources
- Learn examples of renewable resources used globally
- Understand advantages, limitations, and environmental impacts
- Relate renewable energy to sustainability and systems thinking
- Review this topic with RevisionDojo’s IB ESS notes, case studies, and practice questions
What Are Renewable Resources?
Renewable resources are derived from natural processes that are continuously replenished. Examples include:
- Solar energy — energy from the sun captured using photovoltaic cells.
- Wind energy — generated by air movement converted into electricity through turbines.
- Hydropower — energy from flowing water in rivers or dams.
- Geothermal energy — heat extracted from the Earth’s interior.
- Biomass — organic materials like wood, crop waste, or algae used for fuel.
These resources contrast with non-renewable ones — such as coal, oil, and natural gas — which take millions of years to form and are depleted by human use.
Advantages of Renewable Resources
- Sustainability: Renewable sources can provide long-term energy without exhausting natural supplies.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: They produce little or no carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change.
- Energy security: Countries can reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
- Economic benefits: Investment in renewables creates jobs and drives innovation.
Limitations and Challenges
While renewable energy is cleaner, it’s not entirely impact-free:
- Intermittency: Solar and wind energy depend on weather and time of day.
- High initial costs: Infrastructure for renewable energy can be expensive.
- Land and ecosystem impacts: Hydropower dams and biofuel production can alter habitats.
In IB ESS, students must evaluate both the environmental benefits and economic trade-offs when comparing renewable and non-renewable resources.
Renewable Resources and Sustainability
Renewable resources are central to sustainable development, one of the core themes of the IB ESS curriculum. Transitioning to renewable energy supports all three pillars of sustainability:
- Environmental: Reduces pollution and resource depletion.
- Economic: Creates stable, long-term energy markets.
- Social: Promotes energy access and equity across communities.
Students are expected to understand how energy choices affect ecological footprints and carbon emissions, as well as the systems approach to managing resource use sustainably.
The Role of RevisionDojo
Through RevisionDojo’s IB ESS course, students can explore energy flow diagrams, global case studies, and exam-style data analysis on renewable energy implementation. RevisionDojo simplifies complex systems thinking so learners can clearly explain energy transformations and sustainability strategies.
FAQs
What makes a resource renewable?
It can naturally replenish within a short time relative to human use, such as sunlight, wind, or water cycles.
Why are renewable resources important?
They provide clean energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and support sustainable economic growth.
Can renewable resources be overused?
Yes. If consumption exceeds regeneration — for example, overharvesting forests — even renewable resources can become unsustainable.
