Brazilian Amazon deforestation falls to lowest on record as pivotal vote looms
Summary
Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has dropped to its lowest level since records began in 1988, mainly due to stronger government efforts under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. However, this progress is at risk ahead of an important presidential runoff election on October 25, with Lula and his opponent Flávio Bolsonaro holding very different views on rainforest protection and relations with the US under President Donald Trump.Key Facts
- Amazon deforestation fell by 41.8% over the past year to 3,335 square kilometers, the lowest since 1988.
- Since President Lula took office in 2022, deforestation has decreased by 71.2% because of better enforcement and more investment in environmental agencies.
- Brazilian states with the most deforestation in 2026 were Pará (33.9%), Mato Grosso (25.5%), and Amazonas (15.7%), all seeing over 45% reductions from the previous year.
- The Cerrado, a neighboring savanna region, saw its lowest deforestation since 2001, down 48.4% over four years.
- Jair Bolsonaro’s 2019-2023 term saw a 59.5% rise in Amazon deforestation due to weak forest protections and support for illegal activities.
- Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of Jair Bolsonaro, supports interests linked to deforestation and does not prioritize addressing climate change.
- Lula accuses President Donald Trump of wanting to colonize Brazil and defends the Amazon as important to Brazil’s sovereignty.
- Voter support in the Amazon region divides along lines of environmental impact: Bolsonaro wins in degraded areas, Lula in better-preserved forests and cities.
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