ClimateJuly 7, 2026
overreliance
/ˌoʊvərriˈlaɪəns/
Definition
An excessive or unhealthy dependence on a single resource or system that leaves one vulnerable to external disruptions.
Etymology
Derived from the prefix 'over-' (meaning excessive) combined with 'reliance,' which comes from the verb 'rely.' It traces back to the Middle English 'relien' and the Old French 'relier,' meaning to bind or attach.
In the news
The article uses this term to explain why the United States is susceptible to price spikes in food and energy during international conflicts. It highlights the danger of depending too heavily on fossil fuels within an unstable global market.
State Climate Action in 2026: How States Are Delivering Real Benefits Through Climate and Clean Energy Policy
Read the full article ↗Center for American Progress