The difference between renewable and non-renewable resources lies in their availability and replenishment. Renewable resources are those that can be replenished naturally over a short period, such as solar energy, wind, and timber. In contrast, non-renewable resources are finite and cannot be replenished within a human timescale, such as fossil fuels like coal and oil. Utilizing renewable resources is essential for sustainable development, as it reduces environmental impact and reliance on depleting non-renewable sources.