What defines a renewable resource?

A renewable resource is defined as a resource that can be replenished naturally over time. This means that, unlike finite resources, renewable resources are capable of regenerating themselves through natural processes. Common examples include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower, and biomass, all of which are continuously available and replenished by natural cycles.

The sustainability of renewable resources depends on their rate of consumption being balanced with their rate of regeneration. If used wisely, they can provide a sustainable source of energy and materials, contributing to environmental and economic stability. This characteristic distinguishes renewable resources from those that are finite and exhaustible, which, once consumed, cannot be replenished within a human timescale.