"Earth’s vital signs are “flashing red,” fossil fuel use is at peak levels and warming is increasingly impacting forests, oceans and disaster frequency, according to a new report.
The annual “State of the Climate” report, led by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research and Oregon State University, was published today in the Biosphere journal and paints a dire picture. It finds 22 of the planet’s 34 key vital signs — such as forest loss, energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, fossil fuel subsidies and meat production — are at record levels or trending in the wrong direction. It also points out that 2024 was officially the hottest year on record and likely the hottest in the last 125,000 years.
“We are hurtling toward climate chaos. The consequences of human-driven alterations of the climate are no longer future threats but are here now,” the authors wrote. “The window to prevent the worst outcomes is rapidly closing.”"
Brian Bienkowski reports for The New Lede October 29, 2025.
SEE ALSO:
"Climate Inaction Is Leading to Millions of Deaths Each Year" (TIME)
"Money to Help Nations Cope With Climate Disasters Is Declining, U.N. Says" (New York Times)
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