The tobacco/nicotine issue is politically important

Through important tobacco policy decisions,  politicians can counteract this – and at the same time promote a socially, economically and ecologically sustainable development.

Most countries in the world has ratified the World Health Organization’s Tobacco Convention (WHO FCTC). Few of them has implemented all the recommended measures to continue reducing and preventing tobacco use. Tobacco use in all its forms ways entails serious health risks and a financial burden for the individual, but also constitutes an enormous burden for the entire society.

Watch: short animated film about the negative impact on the environment
Read: Environmental impacts of the tobacco industry – a survey of the research situation 2020 

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that children have the right to good physical and mental health, which means that all political decisions that affect children must be made with the best interests of the children in mind. Children’s rights should be a top priority and a guide in tobacco policy. Almost everyone who uses tobacco starts as a child, which makes children the main target group in the tobacco industry. Politicians  can help protect children from being attracted to a harmful nicotine addiction – which is directly contrary to their right to life, health and development.

Making decisions that improve public health, the economy and the environment is a responsibility of politicians, and tobacco policy is an important and effective tool.