Tobacco kills over 8 million people every year and destroys our environment. Harm is seen at all levels, from the clearing of forests through distribution, consumption and post-consumer waste.
Despite the warnings on packets and increases in costs per packet there are still millions of people addicted to this harmful habit. In Gibraltar:
- More than 23% of adults report being long term smokers.
- Tobacco waste can often be seen on our streets and beaches. The lethal and environmentally degrading chemicals from tobacco products making their way into our environment, further affecting human and animal health.
- Cancer, respiratory diseases and heart diseases remain consistent top causes of death; all associated with both smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke.
This year the World Health Organization stress:
- We must make tobacco industries responsible for the environmental destruction they cause, and be made to pay for associated waste and damages.
- The importance of quitting tobacco if you smoke, for your health and the health of our planet.
Read more on Smoking HERE and on the annual Campaign HERE.
