Brazil says Amazon deforestation fell to the lowest level since 1988
Brazil’s satellite-based annual measure recorded 3,335 square kilometers of Amazon deforestation from August 2025 through July 2026, ahead of a presidential runoff.
TL;DR
- Brazil said the Amazon lost 3,335 square kilometers of forest from August 2025 through July 2026, its lowest annual figure since records began in 1988.
- The Associated Press and The Guardian reported that satellite-based figures showed the decline as Brazil approached a presidential runoff.
- The annual measure does not show whether the decline will continue or account for every form of forest degradation.
Brazil’s government said annual deforestation in the Amazon fell to its lowest level since records began in 1988. AP reported that satellite data showed 3,335 square kilometers lost from August 2025 through July 2026. [1] [2]
The Guardian also reported the record low and noted that it came ahead of a presidential runoff on October 25. Both outlets contrasted the result with higher deforestation during Jair Bolsonaro’s 2019–2022 presidency. [1] [2]
Environmental advocates cited in coverage credited enforcement and forest-protection policies, while warning that the result could be vulnerable to a change in political direction. The annual satellite measure does not establish which policies caused the change. [1] [2]
The figure covers a defined monitoring period and is not a complete account of forest degradation or all land-use change. Whether the rate stays low after the election remains unknown. [1] [2]
Why it matters
The decline is a significant environmental signal, while the election puts the durability of current forest policy into focus. One annual measure cannot establish whether the trend will continue.
Editor's note
Uses the reported monitoring period and figure; separates the observed decline from claims about causes or future durability.