Is there a ban on smoking in the future?
Declining Smoking Rates: The Future Without Tobacco in Germany?
Once a symbol of modernity and social status, smoking is increasingly becoming a niche phenomenon in Germany, particularly among the younger generation. The proportion of smokers has reached an all-time low, making one question if the era of smoking is approaching its end.
In the mid-20th century, smoking was a common practice in German society, considered a mark of sophistication and self-assurance, particularly among men. Women, initially discouraged from smoking, found it associated with emancipation and rebellion from the 1960s onwards, mirrored in fashion and popular culture with icons like Audrey Hepburn endorsing the smoker lifestyle.
However, the smoking rates have significantly decreased over the years. The 2000s marked a turning point with increased awareness campaigns, restricted tobacco advertising, and growing restrictions on smoking in public spaces. These measures have been instrumental in reducing smoking rates, though quantifying their exact impact remains challenging.
E-cigarettes, tobacco heaters, and water pipes have emerged as alternatives in recent years, particularly in the 2000s. While water pipe consumption has declined since 2018, e-cigarettes and tobacco heaters continue to gain traction, albeit moderately.
The younger generation demonstrates an increasing aversion to smoking. In the late '90s, almost a third of 12- to 17-year-olds smoked. Today, fewer than one in ten do so. The legal smoking age was raised from 16 to 18 years in 2007. A recent survey reveals that only seven percent of young people identify as regular or occasional smokers. Young adults in Germany belong to the age group with the highest non-smoker proportion.
Across the globe, smoking rates are also declining in most countries. A few exceptions are Jordan, Egypt, and Indonesia, where the smoking population has increased. The European Union strives towards a tobacco-free generation by 2040 with a goal of maintaining a smoking rate below five percent. Countries like Belgium, Finland, France, and Ireland are leading the way in this effort.
A comprehensive review study in 2024 found that while existing measures have shown an effect, the reduction in smoking rates is moderate. To achieve the targets, the study suggests "new, innovative strategies and measures" should be implemented.
For those seeking to quit smoking, RTL will be airing the show "Finally Non-Smoker!" featuring Wolfram Kons, Lilly Becker, and Christian Häckl on 31st May 2025 at 12:30 PM.
Sources: ntv.de
Key Indicators:- Adult smoking rate: About 28.8% in Germany (2025), ranging from 5.4% to 39.5% in the WHO European Region (2025)- Youth smoking rate: ~35% in Germany (2025) (18–29-year-olds)- Attempts to quit smoking (2024): 7.7% in Germany- E-cigarette use: Varies widely worldwide, with rising trends in Germany
- The decline in smoking rates could pave the way for an increased focus on education and personal growth, leading to career development in various fields like health and wellness, environmental science, and business.
- As the exhale of cigarette smoke becomes less common, the workplace may prioritize workplace-wellness, implementing policies that cater to employees with medical conditions, chronic diseases, and respiratory conditions.
- Health-and-wellness programs, including fitness and exercise, skin care, and mental health therapies and treatments, could become more prevalent to promote overall wellness and combat potential negative effects of climate change.
- With the decreasing popularity of tobacco products, budgets might shift from subsidizing tobacco agencies to funding nutrition education, environmental science research, and career development initiatives in industries such as finance and education-and-self-development.
- As smoking rates drop, public spaces may experience a revitalization, offering more space for outdoor exercise and recreation, creating a healthier and more aesthetically pleasing environment.
- An increased emphasis on education could lead to a rise in awareness about the long-term impacts of smoking on mental health, further discouraging the practice.
- The reduction in smoking rates, coupled with the availability of new innovative therapies and treatments, could create opportunities for entrepreneurs who seek to capitalize on the demand for alternatives to traditional tobacco products and health solutions.
- Sports and fitness organizations may see an increase in participation as smoking rates lower, allowing more individuals to reap the benefits of regular exercise and improved fitness levels.
- Researchers working in environmental science and finance may find themselves conducting studies investigating the economic effects of decreasing tobacco industries and the resulting shifts towards sustainable industries.
- As more young people avoid smoking, they may look towards education-and-self-development and career development resources to discover new passions and hobbies, thus fostering personal growth and setting the stage for a healthier and more prosperous future.
