West Africa, particularly Nigeria, is facing a severe opioid crisis, with tramadol abuse causing significant societal and health issues. Despite being legally prescribed for pain relief, tramadol is being consumed in dangerously high doses for non-medical purposes. The drug is illicitly manufactured in India and smuggled into Nigeria, where it is widely accessible and cheap. The crisis is exacerbated by poor governance, corruption, and the exploitation of the poor by criminal networks. Efforts to combat the problem are hindered by widespread corruption and the essential medical use of tramadol for conditions like sickle cell anaemia. The article highlights the need for better education on the drug's negative effects and more effective international policing to target major manufacturers and smugglers.

New Zealand's reputation for pristine natural beauty is under scrutiny as campaign groups like Greenpeace raise alarms about the deteriorating quality and volume of the country's fresh water. Filmmaker Naashon Zalk's investigation highlights the environmental impact of New Zealand's profitable dairy industry and government-backed irrigation projects. Despite the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council withdrawing support for the Ruataniwha dam, the future of such schemes remains uncertain due to continued support from the government and the dairy industry.

China's recent economic turmoil, including stock market plunges and currency devaluation, has caused global market volatility and raised concerns about a potential permanent slowdown in China's economic growth. This situation is particularly alarming for African nations, which rely heavily on Chinese demand for resources. The economic instability in China could lead to reduced exports and investment flows to Africa, impacting major economies like South Africa and Nigeria. Experts suggest that African governments need to accelerate economic reforms and infrastructure development to mitigate these external shocks and make their economies more resilient.