Brazil sees record fall in Amazon deforestation as key election looms

Brazil's government reports that deforestation rates in the Amazon and savanna regions have reached record lows ahead of a crucial presidential election. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a left-wing leader, pledged to end deforestation by 2030 when he took office three years ago. Deforestation surged under his right-wing predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

On October 25th, Lula will face Bolsonaro's son, Flavio, in a tight race. Satellite data reveals that between 2025 and July 2026, the deforestation rate in the Amazon fell by 41.8%, the largest decrease since records began in 1988. The fall in the Cerrado, Brazil's savanna, was 23.8%. The Amazon rainforest, the world's largest, is vital in the global fight against climate change, with 60% of it located in Brazil.

Jair Bolsonaro's policies, which included promoting mining in indigenous lands and increasing forest clearances, led to a 60% increase in forest loss compared to the previous four years. Lula reversed these policies, tightening environmental monitoring and penalties for illegal logging. He aims to achieve zero illegal deforestation by 2030.

Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco called the decline in Amazon deforestation "absolutely stratospheric" and a "historic achievement for Brazil," emphasizing that with political will, it is possible to curb deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions.