Research

The two non-renewable resources:

1. Oil;
Oil is commonly used in Pakistan for various purposes due to several factors:
● Energy Source: Oil is a primary energy source for various sectors, including transportation,
industries, and households. It is used for fueling vehicles, powering generators, and providing heat
for cooking and heating purposes.
● Infrastructure and Technology: Pakistan's infrastructure and technology are largely based on
oil-dependent systems. The transportation network, including roadways and railways, heavily relies
on oil for fueling vehicles. Many industries also use oil as a primary or auxiliary energy source for
manufacturing.
● Availability and Accessibility: Pakistan has access to significant reserves of oil, both domestically
produced and imported. This makes oil readily available and accessible for various applications.
● Economic Factors: The cost-effectiveness of oil compared to alternative energy sources plays a
crucial role in its widespread usage. In many cases, oil remains a more affordable option for
meeting energy needs, especially in a developing economy like Pakistan.
● Industrial and Economic Development: As Pakistan undergoes industrialization and economic
development, the demand for energy, including oil, increases. Industries require energy for
production processes, and oil often fulfils this requirement efficiently.
● Cultural and Social Factors: Cooking with oil is deeply ingrained in Pakistani cuisine and culture.
Various traditional dishes are prepared using oil, contributing to its widespread usage in
households.

Overall, the combination of energy needs, infrastructure, economic factors, and cultural preferences contributes to the
common usage of oil in Pakistan.

As for cost-effectiveness, the price of oil can fluctuate due to various factors such as global supply and demand
dynamics, geopolitical tensions, and currency exchange rates. While oil is a crucial energy source for Pakistan, its
cost-effectiveness depends on these factors as well as government policies, subsidies, and taxation.

In recent years, Pakistan has been exploring ways to diversify its energy mix to reduce its dependence on imported oil
and improve energy security. This includes investments in renewable energy sources such as hydroelectric, solar, and
wind power, which can help mitigate the impact of volatile oil prices and reduce the country's reliance on imported
fuels.

Overall, while oil remains an important energy source for Pakistan, its cost-effectiveness can vary depending on
market conditions and the country's efforts to diversify its energy sources.
1. Air Pollution: When oil is burned for energy, it releases pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur
dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. These pollutants contribute to air pollution and
can lead to health problems such as respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, and smog formation.
2. Climate Change: The combustion of oil releases large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas,
into the atmosphere. CO2 traps heat, leading to global warming and climate change. The accumulation of
CO2 and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is the primary driver of climate change, causing rising
temperatures, melting ice caps, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events.
3. Oil Spills: Accidental oil spills, whether from offshore drilling rigs, pipelines, tanker ships, or storage facilities,
can have devastating environmental consequences. Oil spills can harm marine ecosystems, including fish,
birds, and other wildlife, by coating them with oil, disrupting their habitats, and poisoning their food sources.
Oil spills can also damage coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands.
4. Water Pollution: Oil can contaminate water bodies through spills, leaks, and runoff from roads and industrial
facilities. Oil pollution in water bodies can harm aquatic life, disrupt ecosystems, and degrade water quality.
Oil spills can also contaminate drinking water sources, posing health risks to humans and wildlife.
 5. Land Degradation: Oil extraction and production activities, such as drilling, fracking, and refining, can lead to
land degradation and habitat destruction. These activities can disrupt ecosystems, fragment habitats, and
contribute to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.
6. Acid Rain: Burning oil releases sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can react with water
vapour and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form acid rain. Acid rain can damage forests, crops, soil,
buildings, and aquatic ecosystems, leading to ecosystem imbalances and biodiversity loss.
7. Oil Exploration and Extraction: Oil exploration and extraction activities, such as seismic surveys, drilling, and
well construction, can disturb sensitive ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, and marine habitats. These
activities can disrupt wildlife habitats, damage biodiversity, and contribute to habitat fragmentation.

Overall, the environmental impacts of oil use underscore the importance of transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy
sources and adopting sustainable practices to mitigate climate change and protect ecosystems.

2. Natural gas:
Natural gas is a fossil energy source that forms deep beneath the earth's surface. Natural gas contains
many different compounds. Methane, ethane, butane and propane are present in natural gas. By burning
gas, we create heat which powers a turbine. The rotation of this turbine spins a generator which creates
electricity.
Natural gas plays a crucial role in Pakistan's energy mix. It is the most important energy source in the
country, providing 40% of its primary energy supplies for decades.Overall, natural gas is the country's main
source of fuel, accounting for 50% of all energy consumption, and this figure has been a constant feature for
decades.
Uses:
● Electricity: We can generate electricity with natural gas – with steam turbines and gas turbines.
● Heating: We use natural gas for heating. The reason behind this: it is more effective than electric
heating pumps. Heat from natural gas is delivered from forced-air systems at temperatures
between 50-60 degrees Celsius. The air from an electric heat pump is typically delivered at 30-35
degrees Celsius, which is warm enough to heat a room – but much cooler than the average human
temperature of 36-37 degrees Celsius. If somebody asks what we use natural gas for, we can say
confidently that it is mostly used for heating and electricity generation.
● Transportation and production (industrial uses): The industrial use of natural gas means production
of chemicals, fertilisers, hydrogen, etc. In terms of transportation, natural gas is not the main source
of energy in this industry (it is petroleum), but most people don’t realise that it is used significantly
more than electricity. Moreover, natural gas is used for cooling purposes, manufacturing,
cogeneration and trigeneration (simultaneous use of electrical energy and heating).
Advantages:
● Environmental Benefits: Natural gas is considered more environmentally friendly compared to other fossil
fuels, as it burns cleaner and produces lower emissions, which is beneficial for the environment.
● Economic Advantages: The use of natural gas contributes significantly to energy consumption and economic
growth in Pakistan. It is part of the solution to the country's electricity shortage at an acceptable cost, with
well-developed demand and infrastructure in place.Natural gas consumption is positively affecting economic
growth in Pakistan, with lower capital costs and better operational flexibility making it an alternative source of
energy for the future.
● Renewable Energy Integration: Renewable energy sources, particularly wind, can contribute to preventing
emissions of non-radioactive gases and providing economic growth and job opportunities in Pakistan.
Disadvantages:
● Depleting Domestic Reserves: Pakistan's natural gas production has reached a peak and started to decline,
with recent small discoveries barely able to offset production declines. This has led to a natural gas
supply-demand gap, requiring the country to increasingly rely on imported LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) to
meet growing domestic demand.
● Environmental Concerns: The transportation of natural gas via trucks releases a significant amount of CO2,
contributing to air pollution and potentially impacting climate change.Additionally, investments in energy
 projects, such as traditional coal-fired power plants, raise concerns about increasing CO2 emissions and
their adverse impacts on the environment.
● Economic Challenges: The dependence on imports of LNG and the fluctuating global gas prices have
exposed Pakistan to high costs and challenges in maintaining a stable and affordable energy supply.
​ atural gas is a crucial transitional energy for Pakistan, playing a significant role in the country's
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power sector and overall energy mix. The use of natural gas offers several environmental and
economic advantages, including lower emissions, cost savings, and positive effects on economic
growth. However, Pakistan faces challenges in terms of depleting domestic reserves,
environmental concerns related to emissions, and the economic burden of relying on LNG
imports. To address these issues, Pakistan needs to continue improving the investment climate in
the gas exploration and production sector, explore renewable energy alternatives, and implement
measures to mitigate the environmental impact of its energy infrastructure projects.
● Alternate:

😀Not only is wind an abundant and inexhaustible resource, but it also provides electricity without burning fuel or polluting the air.
1. Wind

Wind energy in the United States helps avoid 336 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually equivalent to the

😀
emissions from 73 million cars.
Wind is everywhere and never runs out. It makes electricity without burning fuel or making pollution. In

the US, wind energy stops 336 million tons of CO2 each year, like taking 73 million cars off the road.

● Wind turbines use blades to collect the wind's kinetic energy. Wind flows over the blades creating lift (similar to the effect

on airplane wings), which causes the blades to turn. The blades are connected to a drive shaft that turns an electric

generator, which produces (generates) electricity.

● Minimal turbines are used for applications such as battery charging of auxiliary power for boats and caravans and for

powering traffic warning signs.

Wind turbines can be cost-effective in Pakistan for several reasons:

● Abundant Wind Resources: Pakistan has significant wind resources, particularly in coastal areas and regions

like Sindh. Utilizing these resources can lead to high levels of electricity production, making wind power a

viable option.

● Declining Costs: The capital costs of wind turbines have decreased globally due to technological

advancements, economies of scale, and increased competition among manufacturers. As a result, the initial

investment required for wind projects has become more affordable.

● Operational Efficiency: Wind turbines have relatively low operational costs compared to conventional power

plants, as they do not require fuel and have minimal ongoing maintenance needs. Once installed, wind

turbines can generate electricity at a relatively stable cost over their operational lifetime.

● Government Support: Like many countries, Pakistan may offer incentives and policies to encourage

renewable energy development, including wind power. These incentives can include subsidies, tax

incentives, feed-in tariffs, or other financial mechanisms that make wind power projects more financially

attractive to investors.
 ● Energy Security and Diversification: Investing in wind power helps reduce dependence on imported fuels,

enhancing energy security. Additionally, diversifying the energy mix with renewable sources like wind can

mitigate risks associated with fuel price volatility and supply disruptions.

● Environmental Benefits: Wind power produces electricity without emitting greenhouse gasses or other

pollutants associated with fossil fuel combustion, contributing to environmental sustainability and

potentially avoiding the costs of mitigating air pollution and addressing climate change impacts.

By leveraging these factors, wind power can offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution to Pakistan's energy

needs, contributing to its energy security, economic development, and environmental goals.

1. Renewable: Wind is an abundant and inexhaustible resource. It relies on natural forces like sunlight and

temperature gradients, making it a sustainable energy source for the long term.

2. Clean: Wind power generation produces electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other pollutants

that contribute to air pollution and climate change. It helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigating

environmental impacts such as air and water pollution.

3. Cost-Effective: While the initial capital investment for wind turbines and infrastructure can be significant, the

operational costs are relatively low compared to traditional fossil fuel power plants. Once installed, wind

turbines generate electricity with minimal ongoing fuel and maintenance expenses, resulting in stable and

predictable energy costs over time.

4. Abundant Resource: Wind is available in many regions worldwide, both onshore and offshore. By harnessing

wind energy, countries can tap into a widespread resource and diversify their energy mix, reducing

dependence on finite fossil fuel reserves and imported energy sources.

5. Scalable: Wind power projects can vary in size, from small-scale turbines for residential or community use to

large-scale wind farms that supply electricity to utility grids. This scalability makes wind energy adaptable to

different energy needs and geographic locations.

6. Job Creation and Economic Development: The wind energy sector creates jobs in manufacturing,

installation, operation, and maintenance of wind turbines and associated infrastructure. Investing in wind

power can stimulate local economies and provide opportunities for skilled labour and technological

innovation.

7. Energy Security: Wind energy helps enhance energy security by diversifying the sources of electricity

generation, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, and mitigating the risks associated with fuel price

volatility and supply disruptions.

1. Environmental Degradation: According to studies conducted by organizations such as the World Health
Organization and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, air pollution from burning fossil fuels is
linked to millions of premature deaths worldwide each year. For example, WHO estimates that outdoor air
pollution alone causes 4.2 million premature deaths annually. Additionally, research published in scientific
journals like Nature and Environmental Science & Technology highlights the detrimental effects of fossil fuel
extraction and combustion on ecosystems, including habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and water
contamination.
2. Health Hazards: Research by the American Lung Association and Harvard School of Public Health has
demonstrated the health risks associated with exposure to air pollutants emitted from burning coal, oil, and
natural gas. Studies have linked air pollution to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and
premature mortality, with vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and low-income communities
disproportionately affected. Furthermore, investigations into occupational safety in industries reliant on
non-renewable resources, such as mining and oil drilling, reveal high rates of workplace injuries, fatalities,
and long-term health issues among workers.
3. Resource Depletion: Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the International Energy
Agency (IEA), and other sources illustrate the finite nature of non-renewable resources and the challenges
associated with declining reserves. For instance, statistics on global oil reserves indicate that known oil
reserves are being depleted at a rate that may lead to supply constraints in the future, potentially driving up
prices and intensifying competition among nations for access to remaining reserves. Similarly, research on
mineral resources like rare earth elements highlights concerns about scarcity and the need for sustainable
resource management practices.
4. Contributions to Climate Change: The IPCC's assessment reports and peer-reviewed scientific studies
provide extensive evidence of the link between greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels and
anthropogenic climate change. Data on rising atmospheric concentrations of CO2 and other greenhouse
gases, as well as observed changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events,
underscore the urgency of reducing reliance on fossil fuels to limit global warming and its deadly
consequences. Additionally, research on the social and economic impacts of climate change, published in
journals such as Science and Nature Climate Change, documents the disproportionate harm experienced by
vulnerable populations in regions already facing climate-related risks.
5. Geopolitical Conflicts: Analysis by organizations like the International Crisis Group, Stockholm International
Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) examines the geopolitical
dimensions of non-renewable resource extraction and distribution, particularly in regions with significant oil,
gas, and mineral reserves. Statistics on armed conflicts in resource-rich areas, such as the Middle East,
Africa, and Latin America, highlight the link between resource wealth, political instability, and violence.
Research also explores the role of energy geopolitics in shaping international relations and security
dynamics, with implications for peacebuilding efforts and humanitarian interventions.