British Columbians lead residents of the U.S. Pacific Northwest in health and life expectancy, living longer than people in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, says a new report from a Seattle think tank.

In its "Cascadia Scorecard 2007," the Sightline Institute says British Columbians live nearly two years longer on average than their neighbours south of the border.

"The lead over the northwest states now is about two years in terms of life expectancy. A baby in B.C. this year can expect to live about 81 years, which is a phenomenal extension of lifespan," said Clark Williams-Derry, the  research director for Sightline.

"If British Columbia were its own nation, if you could separate it from the rest of Canada, B.C. would be the second healthiest country in the world, second only to Japan."

The report also indicates that British Columbians drive less, burn less gasoline and diesel, and use less electricity in their homes than their neighbours in the U.S. Pacific northwest.

"British Columbia has done a very good job creating neighbourhoods in Victoria and Vancouver where people don't have to drive quite as much," said Williams-Derry.

But that could change if the province proceeds with plans to twin the Port Mann Bridge and build more roads as part of its Gateway Project, he added.

The report also notes there has been a slow but steady increase in poverty in B.C.

In 2005, nearly 21 per cent of B.C. children lived below the poverty line, the report says. That's an increase of more than two full percentage points since 1990.

The Sightline Institute used to be known as Northwest Environment Watch, which was founded in Seattle in 1993. The not-for-profit group says its mission is to bring about sustainability, calling for a "slow-motion revolution."