Which of the following resources is considered non-renewable?

Coal is classified as a non-renewable resource because it is formed from organic matter that has been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. Once extracted and consumed, coal cannot be replenished on a human timescale, making it finite. The extraction process depletes the resource, and its use leads to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation.

In contrast, wind energy, solar energy, and hydropower are renewable resources. Wind and solar energy harness natural processes that are continuously replenished by nature, such as wind patterns and sunlight. Hydropower utilizes the water cycle, where water is cycled through the environment and can be reused for energy generation. These renewable resources are sustainable over the long term, as they can be harnessed without a significant risk of depletion.