Philanthropists Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg, New York City's mayor, announced in July a $500-million commitment to fight global tobacco use, especially in developing nations, where the burden of addiction is more costly. The money will support tobacco-control efforts, such as increasing cigarette taxes, modifying tobacco's advertising image and helping people quit.
Number of tobacco users worldwide: 1 billion
Number in China: 350 million
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Annual number of deaths worldwide: 5 million
Average number of years of life lost by a smoker: 15
Percent of tobacco-related deaths by 2030 that will be in low- and middle-income countries (for which tobacco data are available): 80
Population of these countries: 3.8 billion
Amount collected by these countries in annual tobacco taxes: $66.5 billion
Amount they spend on tobacco control: $14 million
SOURCES: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; World Health Organization
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
