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Earth Flunks Its Annual Physical

Most vital signs bad as planet suffers from greenhouse gas

By Colleen Barry,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 14, 2007 4:15 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Most of the Earth's vital stats are "pronouncedly bad," according to a research institute that tracks 44 indicators of the world's health. Only six were positive. More wood was harvested this year than ever before, meat production and consumption hit record highs, people ate 156 million metric tons of seafood, and carbon emissions are burgeoning in China and India.

"Climate change is the most urgent challenge we have ever faced," said the head of the Vital Signs project at the Worldwatch Institute, who pointed out that  "unsustainable consumption patterns" were responsible for climate change linked to carbon emissions and other ecological problems. One of the few positive trends was the increasing use of wind power.

Cowboys watches over livestock during a cattle drive.
Cowboys watches over livestock during a cattle drive.   (Associated Press)
A cowboy watches over livestock during a cattle drive.
A cowboy watches over livestock during a cattle drive.   (Associated Press)
With 133 turbines and a 200-megawatt (MW) capacity, PPM Energy's Big Horn Wind Power Project produces enough clean wind electricity to power about 60,000 homes each year. The project, dedicated today in Bickleton, Wash., brings jobs and economic activity to the rural town of 90 people, as well as...
With 133 turbines and a 200-megawatt (MW) capacity, PPM Energy's Big Horn Wind Power Project produces enough clean wind electricity to power about 60,000 homes each year. The project, dedicated today...   (Associated Press)
Chinese workers rest near a pile of lumber at a market in Shenyang, northeastern China's Liaoning province Monday, Sept. 3, 2007. China, accused of stripping forests in other countries to meet its booming demand, has issued rules governing logging companies working overseas, state media reported Wednesday. (AP Photo)
Chinese workers rest near a pile of lumber at a market in Shenyang, northeastern China's Liaoning province Monday, Sept. 3, 2007. China, accused of stripping forests in other countries to meet its booming...   (Associated Press)
A man walks between piles of timber at a lumber market in Shenyang in northeast China's Liaoning province Tuesday June 5, 2007.
A man walks between piles of timber at a lumber market in Shenyang in northeast China's Liaoning province Tuesday June 5, 2007.   (Associated Press)
A man walks past piles of timber at a lumber market in Shenyang in northeast China's Liaoning province Tuesday, June 5, 2007.
A man walks past piles of timber at a lumber market in Shenyang in northeast China's Liaoning province Tuesday, June 5, 2007.   (Associated Press)
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