Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Brazilian Amazon deforestation falls to lowest level since 1988
Brazil recorded 3,335 square kilometers of Amazon forest clearing in the year ending July 2026, the lowest level since records began in 1988.
The total was 42% lower than the previous year, according to satellite data from Brazil’s national space research institute.
Deforestation also fell in the nearby Cerrado, a wooded savanna where ranching and industrial agriculture have driven forest loss.
Since taking office in 2023, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has restored environmental enforcement and conservation efforts, reversing a rise in clearing under his predecessor.
The Amazon matters beyond Brazil because it stores carbon and produces moisture that helps regulate weather across South America.
Drought, fires and climate change still threaten the forest, and a strong El Niño could bring hotter, drier conditions in 2026 and 2027.
Brazil’s presidential runoff could shape whether forest protections continue, while the outlook also depends on how authorities address those environmental threats.
Brazilian Amazon deforestation fell to 3,335 square kilometers in the 12 months through July 31, 2026, its lowest level since records began in 1988.
The figure was 42% lower than the previous year, according to data from Brazil’s national space research institute, INPE.
The government attributed the decline to renewed efforts under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to curb forest clearing.
Deforestation in the neighboring Cerrado also fell, by 24%, to 5,516 square kilometers, a record low.
The Amazon remains threatened by drought, fires and political uncertainty over future environmental protections.
- Who
- Brazil’s government announced the figures, based on data from the national space research institute, INPE.
- What
- Annual deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell to 3,335 square kilometers, its lowest level since records began.
- When
- The figures cover the 12 months through July 31, 2026, and were released on October 16, 2026.
- Where
- The Brazilian Amazon.
- Why
- The government credited renewed efforts under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to curb deforestation.
Lula government
Flávio Bolsonaro
Environmental policy
Lula government
The government revived enforcement and conservation efforts to reduce deforestation.
Flávio Bolsonaro
Bolsonaro has campaigned on reducing protections for the Amazon.
Approach to forest clearing
Lula government
Lula’s government restored sanctions for illegal clearing and strengthened monitoring and enforcement.
Flávio Bolsonaro
Flávio Bolsonaro is described as campaigning to reduce protections for the Amazon.
Records of Amazon deforestation began.
Amazon deforestation surged by about 60% during Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency, according to official data.
Lula took office and revived the Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Deforestation in the Legal Amazon.
The Brazilian Amazon lost 3,335 square kilometers of forest during the annual measurement period.
Brazil announced that annual Amazon deforestation had reached its lowest level since records began.
- Amazon forest loss
- 3,335 square kilometers
- Change from previous year
- 42% decrease
- Annual measurement period
- August 2025 through July 2026
- Record series began
- 1988
- Cerrado forest loss
- 5,516 square kilometers
- Change in Cerrado deforestation
- 24% decrease
2 sources
What people are saying
The formula is always the same, and it works. We saw it work in Brazil years ago and we’re seeing it again now: determination, enforcement on the ground, fighting crime and enforcing the law
Agriculture has been setting production and export records while deforestation has fallen. Today’s figures disprove the false narrative that protecting the environment holds back Brazil’s development.