A deadly foe
For two days this week, a gathering of experts met at Harvard to discuss how to control the spread of tobacco — a lawful product that when used as directed kills half its consumers. By the end of the conference, “Governance of Tobacco in the 21st Century,” a few recommendations for international controls stood out: Consider public health a basic human right, and tobacco promotion a violation of that right. Embed tobacco governance in global trade agreements. Persuade corporations to stop regarding Big Tobacco as a legitimate corporate enterprise, worthy of all trade, legal, and social protections. Also: Tax tobacco revenue at least $200 million a year, and use the money to implement governance. Finally, set a goal to reduce rates of adult smoking prevalence to less than 5 percent by 2048. Each step is “a tiny ripple of hope,” said conference emcee Gregory N. Connolly. “When these ripples gather, they will create...