Deforestation rates in the Amazon and savanna regions of Brazil have dropped to record lows, according to the Brazilian government. Satellite data shows the Amazon's deforestation rate declined by 41.8% in the year leading up to July 2026.
A 23.8% reduction in forest loss occurred in the Cerrado, which is the savanna region of Brazil. Brazil contains 60% of the Amazon rainforest.
During the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro from 2019 to 2022, the Amazon lost nearly 60% more forest land than in the four years prior, reported the AFP news agency. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pledged to end deforestation in the Amazon by 2030.
The deforestation rate reached a six-year low during the first year of Lula's term in office. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stated, "Our goal is to achieve zero illegal deforestation by 2030."
Marcio Astrini described the results as a "historic achievement" and noted that "with political will, it is possible to curb deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions." Joao Paulo Capobianco characterized the progress as "absolutely stratospheric."
Lula will face Flavio Bolsonaro, the son of the former president, in a run-off election on 25 October 2026.
