High-level segment: tobacco control and global climate action

Conference of the Parties to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Eighth session Geneva, Switzerland, 1−6 October 2018 Provisional agenda item 4 FCTC/COP/8/INF.DOC./1 25 August 2018 High-level segment Tobacco Control and Global Climate Action 1. The Conference of the Parties (COP) is the sovereign body that guides the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). It meets every other year. The agenda of the COP includes new and challenging items in a number of areas pertaining to the WHO FCTC such as Gender, Human Rights, Alternative Livelihoods and Liability. 2. This year the COP will meet for its eighth session from 1 to 6 October in Geneva. For the first time it is organizing a High-level Segment that will take place on the first day of COP8, on 1 October 2018. The High-level Segments not only increase the profile and visibility of the treaty and the COP but also provide for delegates to be informed about growing concerns in specific areas of the treaty implementation. The COP8 High-level Segment will focus on one aspect of the tobacco epidemic that has been receiving increasing attention and is related to important goals and objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This is the effect of tobacco cultivation, production and consumption on the environment (Article 18 of the WHO FCTC). 3. Tobacco growing and manufacturing affects the environment throughout the whole tobacco life cycle:  Tobacco-leaf cultivation leads to deforestation due to land clearing, depletion of soil nutrients, and contamination of land and water due to extensive use of pesticides, growth regulators and chemical fertilizers.  Tobacco curing leads to further deforestation due to the high demand for wood to cure tobacco leaves.  The manufacture of cigarettes and other tobacco products release greenhouse gases and other waste emitted from manufacturing in the environment.  Tobacco product transport and distribution also contribute to greenhouse gases emissions.  After tobacco is consumed, cigarette butts and toxic third-hand smoke pollute the environment. FCTC/COP/8/INF.DOC./1 2 Objectives of the High-level Segment 1. Raise awareness and provide impetus for action to protect future generations from the health, economic, social and environmental devastating effects of tobacco use 2. Highlight the connection between the WHO FCTC, the environment and climate change, and emphasize the fact that a multisectoral approach, at the national and international levels, is essential for the development of coherent policies. 3. Discuss and share visions of the critical effect of implementing Article 17 (Economically viable alternative activities for tobacco growers and workers) and 18 (Protection of the environment and health of persons involved in tobacco growing and manufacturing) of WHO FCTC in achieving other Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), apart from the obvious health related SDGs 4. Explore the possible synergies between the WHO FCTC and other UN environment treaties such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UNCBD) and the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and potential joint efforts with these Treaty Secretariats to address the issue. Outcome of the High-level Segment 4. The outcome and possible recommendations of the High-level Segment will be proposed for adoption as a COP decision entitled Geneva Declaration on Tobacco Control, the Environment and climate change. = = =