A lot of our energy comes from non-renewable sources such as coal, oil and gas.
These resources are made up from the remains of ancient animals and plants…
…that develop over millions and millions of years deep beneath the ground into what we call fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels are burned by power stations to produce electricity as well as in things like cars, planes and…
…steam trains!
But non-renewable resources generate harmful greenhouse gases that damage the habitats of animals and plants, and contribute to global warming.
And our increasing demand for energy means they won’t last forever.
So we need to look for ways to make renewable and sustainable energy resources.
For example wind, solar and hydro energy.
These are just some of the resources that are more friendly towards the environment.
These renewable energy resources can quickly replenish themselves and can be used again and again.
Types of energy
There are two types of energy: renewable and non-renewable.
Non-renewable energy includes coal, gas and oil. Most cars, trains and planes use non-renewable energy. They are made by burning fossil fuels to create energy.
Renewable energy includes solar, hydro and wind energy. Wind energy is made when the wind moves the blades on a wind turbine. This movement creates wind energy which is converted into electrical energy.
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