Brazilian Amazon deforestation drops 42 percent to record low

Oct 17, 6:17 AM2 min readCovered by 4 outlets

Drafted by AI from the sources below, fact-checked by the Ajako Taja Editorial Team · How we use AI

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New satellite data shows Amazon forest clearing has plummeted to the lowest level since 1988, marking a major environmental milestone ahead of Brazil's presidential run-off.

Official satellite data shows forest clearance in the Brazilian Amazon fell by nearly 42 percent to reach its lowest level since records began in 1988.

Data from Brazil’s national space research institute, INPE, reveals that 3,335 square kilometers of the Amazon were cleared in the 12 months ending July 31, 2026. This 41.8 percent decrease represents the smallest total ever recorded by the Prodes satellite series. The Guardian reported that this figure beats the previous record low by an area roughly the size of Rio de Janeiro. Additionally, deforestation in the Cerrado savanna region fell by approximately 24 percent to 5,516 square kilometers.

The sharp decline comes as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva faces a presidential election run-off on October 25 against Flávio Bolsonaro. According to BBC News, Lula has focused on tightening environmental monitoring and increasing penalties for illegal logging since taking office three years ago. While most states saw improvements, The Guardian noted that deforestation slightly increased in Roraima, a stronghold for the Bolsonaro family. Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco described the overall national reduction as "absolutely stratospheric."

Conservationists have praised the results, with Marcio Astrini of Observatorio do Clima calling it a historic achievement that proves political will can curb emissions. However, experts told Conservation News that the Amazon still faces significant threats from a brewing super El Niño, which could lead to severe drought and wildfires. Scientists warned that if total deforestation reaches 20 to 25 percent, the region's rainfall system could fail; currently, about 15 percent of the biome has been lost.

Background

Upon taking office in 2023, President Lula pledged to achieve zero illegal deforestation by 2030, reversing policies from the previous administration. BBC News reported that during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency from 2019 to 2022, the Amazon lost nearly 60 percent more forest land compared to the preceding four years as resources for protection were cut.