What does non-renewable mean and how does this apply to fossil fuels?

Non-renewable refers to resources that cannot be replenished within a human timescale, meaning they are finite and will eventually run out. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are considered non-renewable because they are formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient organisms and are extracted faster than they can be naturally regenerated. As such, the consumption of fossil fuels contributes to resource depletion and environmental concerns, prompting the search for sustainable energy alternatives.