These are called non-renewable resources. Humans are using up natural resources at a great rate and at a great cost to the health of the natural environment and life on Earth. The burning of fossil fuels in factories to make products and power, and the fuels used by trucks, automobiles and jet planes have caused acid rain and a great increase in carbon dioxide and pollution in the atmosphere. And forests have been destroyed which used to absorb carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide traps heat in our lower atmosphere.
Scientists believe that human activities such as these have led to global warming. Scientists are working very hard on developing new ways to use clean energy sources which come from renewable resources - like wind power and direct solar energy from the sun. Other technologies, such as fuel cells, are under development to provide energy sources that minimally harm the environment. People need to change their thinking and refuse products that damage the environment. Hold your computer mouse over the graphics throughout our website and they will tell you something.