Brazil’s Amazon deforestation hits lowest level on record
Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest has reached its lowest level since record-keeping began in 1988, with 3,335 square kilometers cleared in the 12 months through July. This represents a 42% decrease from the previous year, according to data from Brazil's space research agency, Inpe.
The story so far
- Oct 16
- Oct 17
How outlets cover it
3 outletsNot rated on the left–right scale. It describes Western party politics and doesn’t fit state media or outlets outside that system, so we show ownership and country instead.
Open questions and key claims
Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has fallen to its lowest level since records began, according to new government data.
Forest clearance in the Amazon fell by 41.8% over the past year to 3,335 square kilometers, the lowest value since 1988.
Since 2022, deforestation rate has slowed by 71.2% due to stronger enforcement measures and state investments.
3,335 square kilometers of forest were cleared in the 12 months through July, a 42 percent drop from the previous year.
Environment Minister Joao Paulo Capobianco called the drop 'an absolutely stratospheric drop...it’s like a dream.'
During Bolsonaro's presidency (2019-2022), Amazon deforestation increased by nearly 60% compared to the previous four years.
Deforestation rates in the Amazon dropped to a six-year low during Lula's first year in office.
Lula's administration aims to achieve zero illegal deforestation by 2030.
Who and where
Related stories over time
same people and places- Dec 6, 2025 – Jan 1 earlierBrazil’s Supreme Court rejects Jair Bolsonaro’s request for house arrest13 articles · 3 outlets
- Feb 21 – Feb 24 earlierIndia and Brazil set sights on US$30 billion trade milestone by 20304 articles · 2 outlets
- Aug 2 earlierBrazil’s Lula launches fourth-term bid, focuses on national sovereignty3 articles · 3 outlets
- Aug 16 earlierBrazil: Lula, Bolsonaro return to strongholds to launch runs for president3 articles · 3 outlets
- Sep 17 – Sep 26 earlierLula bans fixed-odds sports betting a week before Brazilian elections7 articles · 3 outlets
- Sep 22 – Sep 24 earlierDemocratic lawmakers accuse Trump administration of interference in Brazilian elections3 articles · 3 outlets
- Oct 1 – Oct 7 earlier‘Another coup d’état’: fears grow as Flávio Bolsonaro vows to ‘re-democratise’ Brazil36 articles · 5 outlets
- Oct 16 – Oct 17◆ This story
- Oct 16 – Oct 23 at the same timeBrazil’s rapid election count puts spotlight on voting security ahead of US midterms15 articles · 5 outlets