Brazil Records Historic Amazon Deforestation Decline

Brazil’s Amazon rainforest experienced its lowest annual deforestation since satellite records began in 1988, according to figures from the country’s space research agency, Inpe. The agency reported that 3,335 square kilometres of forest were cleared in the 12 months through July—about 42 percent less than in the preceding year. The measurement period runs from August to July, when cloud cover is lower. The previous record low was 4,571 square kilometres in 2011–12, while losses peaked at nearly 30,000 square kilometres annually in the mid-1990s. Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco called the decline “an absolutely stratospheric drop” and “like a dream.” Marcio Astrini of climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima described it as a historic achievement, arguing that political will can curb both deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said his goal is to end illegal deforestation by 2030. The improvement comes amid a presidential run-off campaign. Lula, who took office in 2023 promising to end illegal deforestation, is facing Senator Flavio Bolsonaro, the eldest son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, in an October 25 run-off. Deforestation rose to a 15-year high under Jair Bolsonaro, averaging about 11,600 square kilometres annually during his 2019–2022 term—almost 60 percent above the previous four-year period. Losses have declined each year since 2022 and are down 71.2 percent over four years. The article attributes the reduction to increased monitoring and stronger penalties for illegal logging. Flavio Bolsonaro’s manifesto promises stronger environmental oversight, with enforcement focused on organised crime rather than extractive workers and small farmers, and a goal of ending illegal deforestation by 2029. He has also praised his father’s opposition to what he calls a “radical environmental agenda.” Separately, deforestation in the Cerrado savanna fell about 24 percent to 5,517 square kilometres, its lowest level since records began in 2001.

Brazil’s government reports record declines in deforestation across the Amazon and Cerrado, as the country approaches a presidential run-off in which the future of the rainforest is a major issue. Satellite data for the year ending in July 2026 shows Amazon deforestation fell by 41.8%, the largest annual drop since records began in 1988. Deforestation in the Cerrado, Brazil’s savanna region, declined by 23.8%. The Amazon is the world’s largest rainforest, and about 60% of it lies within Brazil; its forests absorb carbon dioxide and support millions of species. The figures come amid a close election between left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. Lula pledged to end Amazon deforestation by 2030 when he took office three years ago. His administration reversed policies pursued under Jair Bolsonaro, whose 2019–2022 presidency saw forest losses increase substantially compared with the previous four years. Bolsonaro had promoted mining on Indigenous lands, while resources for forest protection were cut. Under Lula, environmental monitoring was strengthened and penalties for illegal logging increased. Deforestation fell to a six-year low in his first year in office. Lula reiterated his administration’s goal of ending illegal deforestation by 2030. Flavio Bolsonaro is expected to continue his father’s policies if elected, although he has also pledged to combat organised crime in the Amazon. Brazil’s environment minister called the latest decline “absolutely stratospheric,” while a climate advocacy group described it as a historic achievement and evidence that political will can curb deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. The article also notes that forests face continuing pressure from agricultural expansion, logging and climate change, which can increase wildfire risk.

Brazil recorded its lowest annual Amazon deforestation since monitoring began in 1988, according to figures released by the Brazilian space research agency Inpe. From August 2025 through July 2026, 3,335 square kilometers (1,288 square miles) of forest were cleared—about 42% less than the 5,731 square kilometers reported for the previous year. The Amazon, the world’s largest tropical rainforest and a highly biodiverse ecosystem, lies mostly in Brazil but also extends into Peru, Colombia and other South American countries. Continued deforestation and illegal resource exploitation have increased concern that the forest could approach a climate tipping point. Brazilian officials and environmental advocates welcomed the reported decline. Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco called the decrease “stratospheric” and “like a dream.” President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reiterated his goal of eliminating illegal deforestation by 2030. Marcio Astrini, executive secretary of climate advocacy group Observatorio do Clima, described the figures as a historic achievement, arguing that political will can help protect forests and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The organization attributed the progress to the government’s sustained environmental commitment, including expanded monitoring and tougher penalties for illegal logging. The announcement came shortly before an October 25 runoff election between Lula and conservative senator Flavio Bolsonaro, with polls showing the candidates running neck and neck. The article presents the deforestation reduction as a notable environmental development while situating it in Brazil’s closely contested political context.