Under Lula, Amazon deforestation falls to lowest level in a decade
Summary
Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest dropped to its lowest level in ten years during the first half of 2026, with a 38% decrease compared to last year. This decline is linked to President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s efforts, including an anti-deforestation plan and stronger penalties for environmental crimes.Key Facts
- From January to June 2026, about 1,295 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Amazon forest were cleared, the lowest since 2016.
- The rate of deforestation decreased by 38% compared to the same period in 2025.
- Deforestation peaked around 2022 under former President Jair Bolsonaro, who supported mining and development in the Amazon.
- Lula defeated Bolsonaro in 2022 partly by promising to protect the environment and end illegal deforestation by 2030.
- Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) provided the deforestation data.
- Lula’s government has faced criticism for allowing more oil exploration near the Amazon River.
- The U.S. government under President Trump proposed tariffs on Brazil partly due to concerns about deforestation and trade practices.
- Lula’s administration argues its policies have successfully reduced deforestation, challenging the U.S. claims.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
