Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon hits nearly 4-decade low
The data was hailed by leftist incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who reiterated his goal to achieve zero illegal deforestation by 2030.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced a significant drop in deforestation of the Amazon rainforest, marking its lowest level in nearly four decades. The reduction, attributed to enhanced monitoring and stricter penalties, saw 3,335 square kilometers of forest cleared between August 2025 and July 2026, a decline of nearly 42% compared to the previous year.
This comes as Lula prepares for a presidential runoff, with polls indicating a tight race against conservative senator Flavio Bolsonaro. Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco described the drop as "stratospheric," while Lula reaffirmed his commitment to ending illegal deforestation by 2030. The Amazon, home to about 60% of the world's largest rainforest, has seen a cumulative 71.2% drop in deforestation since 2022.
Deforestation in the Cerrado savanna, located south of the Amazon, also reached a historic low, with a 24% decrease in native vegetation over the same period.
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- Brazilian Amazon deforestation falls to lowest on record as pivotal vote looms theguardian.com
- Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon hits nearly 4-decade low freemalaysiatoday.com
