Every year, more than 8 million people die from tobacco-related diseases. Despite this, we are filling the coffers of one of the world’s most deadly industries with our taxes, our health, our lives, and our planet. But together we have the power to hold this deadly industry accountable and push governments to make Big Tobacco pay.

Big Tobacco continues to target its harmful products — including vaping products — to youth in the U.S. and around the world, as well as Black and Indigenous people, other people of color, women, and people in the Global South. The industry’s manipulative and deceptive advertising and PR leads to millions of people becoming addicted, developing dozens of illnesses from heart to lung disease and more, and dying. 

In addition to the staggering public and individual health costs, the hidden environmental costs of Big Tobacco’s products are astounding. From deforestation to pollution, the industry is causing environmental havoc around the world — without the consent or choice of the communities it impacts. 

Because of its impact on people’s health and the planet, our governments — including the U.S. government — are forced to pay billions of dollars to address the impacts of the tobacco epidemic. The money goes to treating the costs of dozens of illnesses caused by first and secondhand smoke — from heart disease to lung disease and more. This diverts resources that could be used on essential services such as education, food security, and housing. 

But there’s something we can do to put a stop to this. Liability is a powerful tool to curb corporate abuse and provide justice to those who have been harmed. And there’s a growing movement to make this deadly industry pay, using tools available to governments and civil society around the world. 

Holding these deadly corporations liable is part of how we can get to the root of so many of the problems we face. It is part of the work to create conditions where we all — no matter what we look like, how much money we have, who we love, or where we come from — have a chance to thrive and leave a vibrant world for future generations of all beings.

By organizing together, we can make Big Tobacco pay for the costs — health, financial, environmental, and more — of its deadly products. Join us to put pressure on public officials to hold the tobacco industry liable as we expose the ways this deadly industry continues to harm us, our loved ones, and our planet. 

You can be a part of bringing in billions of dollars to support public health and community well-being while holding Big Tobacco accountable. To get started sign the petition. And if you are part of an organization or an expert on public health or liability, add your name to our open letter. Then take a moment to share this page with your friends and family using the tools on our sharing page.