The World Health Organization is warning of the harmful impact of the tobacco industry on the environment, saying that it adds unnecessary pressure to the planet’s already scarce resources and fragile ecosystems.
On World Tobacco Day, celebrated every May 31st, the WHO says tobacco kills over 8 million people every year and harms human health, through the cultivation, production, distribution, consumption, and post consumer waste.
In Trinidad and Tobago, besides these concerns, the focus is on saving future generations as the Chairwoman of the T&T Cancer Society conveyed.
This year’s theme is “Tobacco: Threat to our environment.” The WHO’s campaign calls for action, engaging relevant stakeholders, particularly youth, to advocate for effective policies that will hold the tobacco industry accountable and prevent environmental harms caused by tobacco.