Meaning: 'Dependent' means relying on someone or something for support or help.

Wrong options:

• notified: 'Notified' is a verb that means to inform someone, which does not fit the context of reliance on fossil fuels.
• considerable: 'Considerable' is an adjective that means large in size or amount, but it does not convey the idea of reliance.
• vulnerable: 'Vulnerable' is an adjective that indicates susceptibility to harm, which does not describe the relationship of reliance on fossil fuels.
• harnessed: 'Harnessed' is a verb that means to control and make use of something, which does not fit as it does not describe a state of reliance.
• sufficient: 'Sufficient' is an adjective meaning adequate or enough, which does not convey the idea of dependence.

Correct answer: vulnerable

Explanation: The term 'vulnerable' is an adjective that describes the susceptibility of the population to geopolitical shocks and crises due to their reliance on imported fossil fuels. It fits contextually as it highlights the risks associated with this dependence.

Meaning: 'Vulnerable' means exposed to the possibility of being harmed or attacked.

Wrong options:

• notified: 'Notified' does not fit as it refers to informing someone, which is unrelated to susceptibility.
• considerable: 'Considerable' does not convey the idea of susceptibility; it refers to size or amount.
• dependent: 'Dependent' describes reliance, but it does not indicate susceptibility to harm or crises.
• harnessed: 'Harnessed' refers to controlling something, which does not relate to being at risk.
• sufficient: 'Sufficient' means adequate, which does not convey the idea of being exposed to risk.

Correct answer: harnessed

Explanation: The word 'harnessed' is a verb that means to control and make use of something effectively. In this context, it indicates that the potential of renewable energy sources has not yet been fully utilized, fitting grammatically and contextually.

Meaning: 'Harnessed' means to take control of and make effective use of something.

Wrong options:

• notified: 'Notified' is a verb that means to inform, which does not fit the context of utilizing energy sources.
• considerable: 'Considerable' is an adjective that describes size or amount, which does not relate to the action of utilizing energy.
• dependent: 'Dependent' describes reliance, which does not fit the context of utilizing renewable energy.
• vulnerable: 'Vulnerable' indicates susceptibility, which does not relate to the action of utilizing energy sources.
• sufficient: 'Sufficient' means adequate, which does not convey the action of utilizing or controlling energy.