ClimateJuly 4, 2026
hiatus
/haɪˈeɪtəs/
Definition
A temporary break, pause, or gap in the continuous progress or activity of something.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'hiatus', meaning 'opening' or 'gaping', which comes from the verb 'hiare' meaning 'to gape'. It entered English in the 16th century to describe a physical opening before expanding to refer to a break in continuity.
In the news
The article uses the term to label a specific period of stalled growth in US electricity demand that occurred between 2005 and 2020. This context is important because it contrasts with the current surge in demand driven by data centers and electrification.
Guest post: How US renewable-energy growth persists despite federal policy uncertainty
Read the full article ↗Carbon Brief