Cigarettes have become a well-known symbol of death and destruction, but their harmful implications of potentially contributing to global warming are just as serious. The tobacco industry is an intricately connected system that ranges from farming to production, to its use and eventual disposal, each step of the process is laden with potential environmental consequences.
It is estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO) that tobacco is responsible for around eight percent of global deforestation. This alarming factor exaggerates the risk of soil erosion and depletion of natural resources like water. The deforestation alone increases the severity of climate change, and a significant portion of that deforestation is to make land available for the cultivation and farming of tobacco.
In a number of countries tobacco is grown on an industrial scale, and production involves a range of chemicals that are released into the atmosphere and into water sources, these chemicals include ammonium, sulfur and various pesticides. All of which have a multitude of indirect effects on the environment and contribute to global warming.
The tobacco product itself, when the cigarette is lit, can create further environmental hazards. For example, for every cigarette smoked, approximately 4.5 grams of solid waste in the form of ash and butts is discarded, adding to landfills and later runoff into surrounding water sources. In addition, the smoke itself is comprised of a variety of hazardous chemicals. This smoke contains primary emissions such as volatile organic compounds, carcinogenic compounds, micro-particulate matter, and nicotine that impact surrounding air quality and human health.
Whilst some argue that the tobacco industry is an ample source of tax revenue, this should not be a justification for overlooking the destructive elements that the industry imposes on the environment. What is more important to consider is the rising health care costs associated with cigarette smoking and its effects on global warming. Environmentally conscious awareness, legislation, and policies are some of the ways to combat the effects of cigarettes on the environment, yet more steps must be taken to combat this growing issue.
To better understand how damaging cigarettes are, we must look at the process as a whole and examine the entire life cycle. Every single step of the process has consequences for the environment, from the raw materials and packaging, to its use and disposal, each of these brings about their own set of environmental harms.
In conclusion, cigarettes undoubtedly have an environmental footprint. Their potential to contribute to global warming is an issue worth our attention, with serious implications for the environment, now and in the future. Communication and education are key to raising awareness of the environmental and health consequences of cigarettes. Governments should introduce more stringent regulations to reduce the environmental impact of tobacco.
