Sustainable Transformation of Tobacco in China

SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION OF TOBACCO IN CHINA
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Abstract
Tobacco consumption is a global public health crisis that causes millions of deaths every year. However, the social and environmental impacts of tobacco cultivation and production are not talked about enough. Consequently, the importance of studying the ways tobacco companies can successfully implement sustainable transformations across the entire lifecycle of tobacco production cannot be understated. Expanding the investigation of tobacco from a public health perspective to a social and environmental sustainability perspective is critical to addressing such issues as climate change, human rights, tobacco farmers’ livelihood and welfare, and waste. This study employed a qualitative research methodology to investigate the sustainable transformation of tobacco in China. The study aimed to answer the two research questions: (1) What are the social sustainability practices implemented by Zunyi Tobacco Company in Guizhou Province in line with China Tobacco's sustainable transformation strategy? and (2) What are the environmental sustainability practices implemented by Zunyi Tobacco Company in Guizhou Province in line with China Tobacco's sustainable transformation strategy? Several managers of Zunyi Tobacco Company in Guizhou Province were interviewed with the aim of providing critical insights into the company’s social and environmental sustainability efforts. The study determined that Zunyi Tobacco Company has employed various social sustainability practices in line with China Tobacco's sustainable transformation strategy. These initiatives mainly focused on improving farmer livelihoods and welfare as well as promoting and protecting human rights. On the other hand, the environmental sustainability practices implemented by Zunyi Tobacco Company in Guizhou Province mainly revolved around combating climate change effects and reducing waste. The company is intent on improving the livelihoods and welfare of its farmers by providing fair prices for their produce, supporting them in diversifying income streams, increasing their productivity, and enhancing farmers’ access to basic needs. Zunyi Tobacco Company is also opposed to child labor as well as forced labor. As relates to environmental sustainability, the tobacco company has implemented measures to reduce water and energy consumption, increase usage of green energy, cut back on greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminate unnecessary waste.
Table of contents
Introduction
1.1 Introduction and Background
It is widely accepted that tobacco is harmful to the sustainable development of the environment. This harm can be divided into several levels: first, the physical harm caused by smoking to smokers and others. Second, the environmental damage of tobacco production in terms of air, water, and soil pollution. Third, and most often overlooked, are the social harms caused by tobacco production, such as labor health problems and gender inequality. In addition to causing over seven million deaths every year, tobacco has severe env...