Renewable resources are those that can be naturally replenished over a short period of time, such as sunlight, wind, water, and forests when managed properly. These resources are generally sustainable if used wisely. Non-renewable resources, on the other hand, are available in limited quantities and take millions of years to form, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas. Once exhausted, they cannot be replaced within a human lifetime. This difference highlights the need for careful use of non-renewable resources and increased reliance on renewable options for sustainable development.