The Brazilian government has created 10 new Indigenous territories following pressure and protests at COP30. On Nov. 6, President Lula da Silva said COP30 would be “inspired by Indigenous peoples and traditional communities.” But while this year’s edition welcomed the largest Indigenous delegation in the summit’s history, talks were disrupted by Indigenous-led protesters who believe more needs to be done to protect their culture and environment. 

What did the commentators say? 
The summit in Belém, situated at the mouth of the Amazon River system, marked an “unprecedented effort to elevate Indigenous voices,” said Danilo Urzedo, Oliver Tester and Stephen van Leeuwen at The Conversation. About 1,000 Indigenous representatives were invited to take part, with an additional 2,000 able to access spaces for activists and the public. 

But as talks got underway last week, Indigenous-led protesters clashed with security guards as they attempted to enter the conference venue, “highlighting tensions” around the Brazilian government’s claim that the event was “open to Indigenous voices,” said Al Jazeera. Three days later, a peaceful protest prevented delegates from entering the venue for several hours. 

Of particular concern was COP30’s “emphasis on climate finance” rather than a total ban on disruptive activities such as mining, logging and oil drilling in the Amazon basin. “We can’t eat money,” said one community leader. But the fact that protests could even take place set “democratic” Brazil apart from previous “autocratic” COP hosts such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan, who have shown “little tolerance for demonstrations,” said Politico. 

What next? 
The next challenge is tackling the “logistical and bureaucratic hurdles” in the “arduous” process of officially establishing the 10 new Indigenous territories, said The New York Times. Before Lula’s announcement, there were “107 Indigenous land demarcation processes awaiting a final government decision.” Brazil has also established a Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, headed by Sonia Guajajara, who’s “widely recognized for her leadership and activism in defending Indigenous rights,” said Euronews.

More deaths can likely be attributed to opioids than previously thought, and that’s largely thanks to a substance called nitazene. The synthetic drug can be five to nine times stronger than fentanyl, which is already approximately 25 to 50 times stronger than heroin. Nitazene is often hidden in other products and difficult to test for, so it goes undetected most of the time.

How prevalent is it?
Nitazene was first developed in the 1950s as an analgesic but was never approved for medical use. Instead, it was “limited to those researching opioid pharmacology,” said Rolling Stone. It mostly remained that way until 2019, when the drug emerged on the street drug market in the U.S. and Europe.

In the U.S., 320 overdose deaths in 2023 reportedly involved nitazenes, according to the 2025 World Drug Report. However, this number is very likely understated. The country still mostly “relies on toxicology panels built for yesterday’s drug supply,” said Time. This means that while they can “reliably identify heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl,” they “fail to catch nitazenes, brorphine or other new synthetic analogs.” Without proper identification, “policymakers and public health professionals chase outdated trends.” 

Fentanyl is still the number-one cause of opioid deaths, accounting for 48,422 deaths in the U.S. in 2024, but there have been “reported signs of a declining fentanyl market.” The rise in nitazenes may be a “response to efforts to reduce the supply of other opioids,” said toxicologist Ryan Marino to Rolling Stone. “In almost every case where nitazenes are found, they are added to other drugs, primarily fentanyl, and not advertised as containing nitazenes when sold.”

How dangerous is it?
Even very small doses of nitazene can be deadly. The lethality of fentanyl is “anywhere between 10 and 20 grains of salt,” said Frank Tarentino, the special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York lab, to CBS News. With nitazene, “we are talking about anywhere from one grain or less.” In smaller amounts, it can also cause paralysis and seizures. 

Alarmingly, much of the exposure to nitazene comes inadvertently. It has been found in “vapes sold as containing cannabis, in pills shaped as teddy bears supposed to be MDMA, in powder trafficked as cocaine, and in counterfeit pain medication,” said The Guardian.

Miss Mexico celebrates becoming the 74th Miss Universe at a ceremony in Bangkok, Thailand, following a scandal-filled pageant season. Fatima Bosch claimed the crown weeks after walking out of a public event along with fellow contestants after the competition’s director called her a “dumbhead” and summoned security.
Lillian Suwanrumpha / Getty

Being able to work remotely opens up the world. As long as there’s an internet connection, you can turn anywhere into an office. This is especially enticing for those who love to travel or have always wanted to spend a few months (or years) abroad. Here are six countries that offer digital nomad visas, making it a little easier to try out your expat dreams.

Costa Rica
The Costa Rican saying “pura vida” (“pure life”) is “more than just a simple catchphrase,” said the BBC. It’s a “feeling of optimism and a uniquely positive outlook on life” ingrained in the culture that also extends to visitors. Between deadlines and Zoom meetings, explore Pacific and Caribbean beaches and hike past waterfalls and through rainforests. Affordable housing and a “robust” health care system also “boost” quality of life.

New Zealand
Spending time soaking up the natural beauty of New Zealand is one reason to “break free from the chains of our desks,” said Condé Nast Traveler. The “volcanic” and “lush” North Island is home to Auckland, the country’s most diverse city, while the “rugged, mountainous” South Island has dramatic scenery and fewer people, said Afar. Together, they offer “just about everything you could ask for in a destination.”

Thailand
This country calls to those seeking an “utter paradise,” said Travel and Leisure. It’s easy to feel at home here, thanks to the “tropical beauty” and “warm hospitality,” with the bonus of affordable housing across the country.