<Author>Aaron</Author>
<Topic>Interpret the Pictures of Tobacco Consumption</Topic>
<Source></Source>
<Nationality>USA</Nationality>
While very unclear, the diagram on world tobacco consumption seems to show that total world tobacco production decreased in 1995 from 1994, smokers (at about 1.1 billion) make up about twenty percent of the world population (of about 5.8 billion), smokers spent 2000 billion (very suspect figure) of something on tobacco at some time, and three hundred million smokers were killed (probably an annual figure of those who die due to tobacco-related illnesses).
Whatever the shortcomings of this diagram, it appears that tobacco consumpti6n will tend to decrease if the apparent trend continues. The tobacco industry must replace large numbers 'of customers each year due to loss via death from tobacco-related illnesses. This becomes increasingly difficult as anti-smoking campaigns turn public opinion against tobacco. Additionally, lawsuits filed by sick smokers demanding compensation will take their toll on the tobacco industry.
Perhaps, many would say hopefully, such a trend does exist and will continue. Maybe, within the next several decades, smoking will cease to exist as a common habit. We can then all breathe a little easier.