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Amazon deforestation in Brazil hits lowest level since 2016
🇩🇪 Germany /Environment & Climate

Amazon deforestation in Brazil hits lowest level since 2016

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon region fell to 2,874 square kilometers in the past year, the lowest level since 2016.
  • This represents a 37% decrease from the previous year, aligning with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's goal to halt illegal deforestation by 2030.
  • The reduction in forest destruction and wildfires is crucial for combating global warming, as the Amazon acts as a vital carbon sink.

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest has dropped to its lowest point in a decade, with 2,874 square kilometers destroyed between August 2025 and July 2026. Authorities reported this figure, based on satellite data, marks a 37% reduction from the preceding twelve months and the lowest destruction rate since precise measurements began in 2016.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who took office in 2023, has pledged to end illegal deforestation in the Amazon by 2030. Presenting the new figures in São Paulo, he stated, "We can achieve this goal if we maintain the current pace, proceed with the seriousness shown so far, and provide the necessary resources." He emphasized his administration's commitment to climate issues, asserting, "We take the climate issue in this country very seriously, because we are not climate change deniers."

We can achieve this goal if we maintain the current pace, proceed with the seriousness shown so far, and provide the necessary resources.

— Luiz Inácio Lula da SilvaPresident Lula da Silva presented the new data on deforestation, expressing confidence in meeting climate goals.

Under Lula's predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, deforestation rates surged, reaching a peak of 12,500 square kilometers in 2022. Lula, who is seeking re-election in October, faces a challenge from Bolsonaro's son, Flavio, who is also running for president. The reduction in forest destruction is a significant development in the global fight against climate change, as the Amazon rainforest plays a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating global warming.

In addition to reduced deforestation, data from the monitoring network MapBiomas indicates that wildfires in the Amazon also decreased significantly. The area affected by fires in the past year was the smallest since records began in 1983, with just over three million hectares burned, a stark contrast to the previous year's record of nearly 16 million hectares. An unprecedented drought two years prior had contributed to the spread of fires.

We take the climate issue in this country very seriously, because we are not climate change deniers.

— Luiz Inácio Lula da SilvaPresident Lula da Silva highlighted his administration's commitment to environmental protection.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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