World No Tobacco Day is observed around the world every year on 31 May. This yearly celebration informs the public on the dangers of using tobacco, the business practices of tobacco companies, what WHO is doing to fight the tobacco epidemic, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.
3.5 million hectares of land are destroyed to grow tobacco
From start to finish, the tobacco life cycle is an overwhelmingly polluting and damaging process. Air pollution caused by smoking, but damage occurs across the entire supply chain, and is much more complex.
Deforestation of 200 000 hectares a year and soil degradation
With an annual greenhouse gas contribution of 84 megatons carbon dioxide equivalent, the tobacco industry contributes to climate change and reduces climate resilience, wasting resources and damaging ecosystems.
Across the globe around 3.5 million hectares of land are destroyed to grow tobacco each year. Growing tobacco also contributes to the deforestation of 200 000 hectares a year and soil degradation. Tobacco production depletes the planet of water, fossil fuel and metal resources. And 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are not disposed of properly every year across the globe, generating 1.69 billion pounds of toxic waste and releasing thousands of chemicals into the air, water and soil.
Tobacco kills more than 8 million people
Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year and also more than 7 million of those deaths are the result of direct tobacco use while around 1.2 million are the result of non-smokers being exposed to second-hand smoke.
Reducing tobacco consumption needs to be identified as a key lever for achieving all of the Sustainable Development Goals, not just those directly related to health.
Main Sources: who.int, euro.who.int
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