“As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others." –Bill Gates

Tobacco consumption and youth
Tobacco use among youth is increasing in epidemic proportions across the world. It is estimated that the vast majority of tobacco users start using tobacco products well before the age of 18 years. Globally, one in every 10 girls and one in every five boys, aged 13 to 15 years, use tobacco. It is further projected that current trends of tobacco use would result in the deaths of 250 million children and young people over time, most of them in developing countries. Tobacco use during adolescence and early adulthood has profound public health implications. Adolescent onset tobacco use leads to ‘accelerated dependency’ within a short period from first exposure. In addition, it has been consistently linked to heart disease, cancers, and premature mortality. Tobacco use among youth has also been well recognised as one of the behaviours that defy social norms. The tobacco use situation in Pakistan is complex owing to the availability of various forms of tobacco. Also, adolescence and early adulthood, i.e., 15 to 24 years, are considered to be the most susceptible phase of life for initiation of tobacco use in Pakistan. Based on available evidence, it is estimated that five per cent to 25 per cent of Pakistani adolescents currently use or have ever used tobacco. Even though smokeless tobacco is used less commonly, high rates of its use have been reported in Pakistan among adolescents aged 13 to 15 years (15 per cent of boys and five per cent of girls). Due to the enormous psychosocial and health effects of tobacco on youth, it is pertinent to understand its burden along with sociodemographic factors for formulating effective tobacco control measures targeting them.
Amjad Ali,
Karachi.

Benefits of planting trees
When done well, tree planting is recognised as one of the most engaging, environmentally friendly activities that people can take part in to better the planet. Trees provide a multitude of benefits, both long and short term. As well as being attractive aesthetically, they remove and store carbon from the atmosphere, slow heavy rain and so reduce the risk of flooding, enhance air quality and improve the urban heat island effect by reflecting sunlight and providing shade. In addition, the physical weight of a tree consists of approximately 50 per cent carbon, as such trees have a strong climate change mitigation effect when in high enough numbers. Some of these benefits such as the mitigation of the urban heat island effect and improvements to air quality are localised and will bring the most benefits to the people who live and otherwise spend their time in the local area. Other benefits such as the removal of carbon from the atmosphere will benefit the wider population, not just those who live the most locally. Trees greatly benefit the people living around them by having a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, reducing stress and encouraging outdoor exercise. This is in addition to the benefits they will receive from an improved environmental quality and improved amenity which comes with planted areas. This shows that there are many environmental as well as social benefits to planting trees. Strategically planting trees around your home can have tremendous benefits on the environment. Not only will you help restore life quality in your community, contribute to the environment and help fight climate change, but you will also set an example. Therefore, planting a beautiful tree is always a good idea!
Hira Zainab,
Karachi.