Updated 56m ago · Science
Brazil's Amazon Deforestation Falls to Lowest Level on Record
Brazil's government announced Friday that annual Amazon deforestation fell to its lowest level since 1988. Official satellite data showed 3,335 square kilometers lost.
- 71% drop in deforestation since 2023, the government said.
- 60% rise in deforestation under Jair Bolsonaro, 2019 to 2022.
- 45,000+ square kilometers cleared during Jair Bolsonaro's term, official data show.
- Lula revived a 2004 anti-deforestation plan shelved under his predecessor.
Why it matters: The Amazon stores vast amounts of carbon and generates moisture that shapes weather beyond South America. Brazil has pledged zero deforestation by 2030.
- Degradation from fire, logging and drought affects about 40% of the Amazon.
- Fire counts have tripled since the Oct. 4 first-round vote.
How 7 sources split on this story
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7 sources · 7 articles · 57% Center coverage
Center4 sources
CTV News4hBrazil says Amazon deforestation fell to the lowest level since 1988Deutsche Welle1hBrazil: Amazon deforestation lowest in nearly 40 yearsNews4Jax5hBrazil says Amazon deforestation fell to the lowest level since 1988Reuters6hDeforestation in Brazil's Amazon falls to lowest on record in 2025/26
Left coverage, 2 sources: The left sees the record low as proof that Lula's renewed enforcement worked, with the runoff putting those gains at risk.
Right1 source
What’s next: Flávio Bolsonaro won 47% in the first round to Lula's 45%. They meet in an Oct. 25 runoff.
- Bolsonaro pledges to end illegal deforestation by 2029.
- Lula pledges zero net deforestation by 2030, legal or illegal.
- Were the post-election fires deliberately set for political reasons?
- What specific Amazon policies would a Flávio Bolsonaro administration adopt?
- Will a strong El Niño in 2026 and 2027 reverse the gains?
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