**Why Fossil Fuels are Exhaustive Natural Resources**

Fossil fuels are considered exhaustive natural resources due to several reasons. They are formed over millions of years from the remains of dead plants and animals, which undergo a process of decomposition and transformation under high pressure and temperature. Fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas, and they have been the primary sources of energy for human civilization for centuries. However, their extensive use and limited availability make them unsustainable in the long run.

**Limited Formation and Depletion**

1. Formation Process: Fossil fuels require specific geological conditions and a significant amount of time to form. This process takes millions of years, making their formation rate much slower than their consumption rate.

2. Finite Reserves: Fossil fuels are found in finite reserves within the Earth's crust. As these reserves are being exploited at a rapid pace, their depletion is inevitable.

**Environmental Impact**

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. These gases contribute to global warming and climate change, leading to detrimental effects on the environment and human health.

2. Air Pollution: The combustion of fossil fuels also releases pollutants like sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. These pollutants have adverse effects on air quality, leading to respiratory diseases and other health issues.

**Negative Impacts on Ecosystems**

1. Habitat Destruction: Extracting fossil fuels often requires the destruction of natural habitats, including forests and ecosystems. This displacement of species can disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems, resulting in the loss of biodiversity.

2. Water Pollution: Fossil fuel extraction and processing can lead to water pollution through accidental spills, leaks, and inadequate waste management. These pollutants can contaminate water bodies, negatively impacting aquatic life and ecosystems.

**Striving for Sustainable Alternatives**

Due to the exhaustible nature and environmental consequences of fossil fuels, there is a growing global push towards finding sustainable alternatives. Renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power are gaining prominence as they offer cleaner and more sustainable energy options.

In conclusion, fossil fuels are exhaustive natural resources due to their limited formation, finite reserves, detrimental environmental impacts, and negative consequences on ecosystems. It is crucial to shift towards sustainable alternatives to ensure a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Non-renewable resources are those that are limited in nature and will not replace themselves. They can be exhausted by human activities. As they are limited, they are also called exhaustible resources. Example: Coal, petroleum and natural gas are exhaustible fossil fuels, They cannot be prepared in the laboratory. It takes millions of years for dead organisms to get converted into these fuels. Studies show that the known reserves of these fuels are fast depleting.