Is smoking set to become obsolete?
Smoking Rates Plummet in Germany: A Glimpse into a Potential Tobacco-Free Future
In a striking departure from the past, smoking rates in Germany have reached all-time lows, particularly among the younger generation. A cultural shift once considered a hallmark of modernity and emancipation is increasingly becoming a niche phenomenon.
Initially, tobacco consumption was widespread, and social approval was pervasive. Men, in particular, were privileged smokers. Women, however, were initially restricted from partaking, but by the 1960s, smoking was increasingly viewed as a symbol of emancipation and coolness. This trend was mirrored in fashion and pop culture, with iconic figures like Audrey Hepburn epitomizing the smoker's lifestyle.
Statistics from the 1950s reveal that nine out of ten men and only two out of ten women regularly consumed tobacco. However, over the following decades, smoking rates among both genders converged (as depicted in the graph below). Since the 2010s, smoking rates have seen a significant decrease, reaching new lows. Will smoking eventually disappear altogether?
Awareness campaigns, restrictions on tobacco advertising, smoking bans, and price increases have been implemented progressively since the early 2000s. These measures have slowly but steadily impacted public places, from train platforms to restaurants, schools, cinemas, and nightclubs. While it is difficult to quantify the exact impact of these measures, statistics suggest that smoking is becoming increasingly rare.
Cigarette sales figures also reflect this trend (as shown in the graph). Although e-cigarettes, tobacco heaters, and water pipes in shisha bars have gained popularity since the 2000s, water pipe consumption has decreased substantially since 2018. Meanwhile, e-cigarettes and tobacco heaters have seen a relatively modest increase.
Perhaps the most significant change is the growing aversion to smoking among the younger generation. At the turn of the millennium, almost one third of 12- to 17-year-olds smoked regularly. Today, fewer than one in ten young people engage in smoking. In 2007, the legal age for purchasing tobacco products and smoking in public spaces was raised from 16 to 18 years. According to a survey from 2023, only seven out of every hundred young people identify themselves as regular or occasional smokers. Young adults likewise exhibit one of the highest non-smoker percentages in Germany.
Is smoking destined to become a relic of the past? The trend is visible worldwide, with a decrease in smokers observed in nearly all countries. A notable exception is in countries such as Jordan and Egypt, where smoking rates have risen. Even in populous nations like Indonesia, smoking rates have increased since the turn of the millennium.
Some countries, like the European Union, have set ambitious goals to eradicate smoking within their populations. The EU aims to decrease tobacco consumption to less than 5% by 2040 with its 'Tobacco-Free Generation' target. Pioneers in this effort include Belgium, Finland, France, and Ireland. A 2024 study, which evaluated the effectiveness of such strategies, found that they have had an impact, albeit a moderately slow one. The study's authors therefore suggest exploring new, innovative approaches to achieve these objectives, hinting that the war against smoking is far from over.
Tune in to RTL's "Finally Non-Smoker!" show with Wolfram Kons, Lilly Becker, and Christian Häckl this Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 12:30 PM.
Source: ntv.de
Key Points:- Germany is witnessing a significant decrease in smoking rates, particularly among the younger generation.- Awareness campaigns, smoking bans, and price increases have played a role in this shift.- The global trend suggests a decline in smoking prevalence due to comprehensive tobacco control measures.- The battle against smoking, while progressing, remains far from over, as new, innovative strategies are needed to achieve ambitious goals.
The government's involvement in awareness campaigns and smoking bans, along with increasing prices, have been instrumental in promoting health-and-wellness by fostering an environment free from the prevalence of tobacco. As a result, education about the dangers of smoking is becoming more integral, making science for finding alternatives to tobacco a crucial part of the strategy to achieve a tobacco-free future.
In the spirit of fostering a healthier lifestyle, integrating a sound understanding of science for tobacco cessation products with comprehensive health-and-wellness education can equip individuals with the tools to make well-informed decisions regarding their personal well-being, ultimately paving the way for a tobacco-free society.
