Which one of the following is a non-renewable resource?

Natural resources are classified based on their availability and replenishment rates. Non-renewable resources are those present in fixed amounts in the Earth's crust that cannot be replenished within a human-meaningful timeframe [2]. Coal is a primary example of a non-renewable fossil fuel, formed over millions of years from organic remains; once consumed, it cannot be replaced quickly [2]. In contrast, solar energy is considered an inexhaustible renewable resource derived from the sun [5]. Water is classified as a renewable resource because it is replenished through the natural water cycle [3]. Fisheries are also renewable resources as they consist of living organisms capable of regenerating through reproduction, provided they are not exploited beyond their threshold level [4]. Therefore, coal is the only non-renewable resource among the given options.

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 9: Distribution of World Natural Resources > non-Renewable Resource > p. 8
2. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 7: Resources > NATURAL RESOURCES > p. 1
3. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > NON-CONVENTIONAL ENERGY > p. 27
4. [5] Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > Renewabte energy comprises of > p. 287
5. [3] INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Non-Conventional Energy Sources > p. 61