Amazon deforestation drops to a 10-year low during the first half of 2026, marking a major milestone in Brazil’s efforts to protect the world’s largest rainforest. According to Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE), an estimated 1,295 square kilometres of Amazon forest were cleared between January and June 2026, representing a 38% decline compared to the same period in 2025. It is the lowest level of deforestation recorded since 2016 and reflects the impact of stricter environmental enforcement introduced under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who has pledged to eliminate illegal deforestation by 2030.

As the Amazon stores billions of tonnes of carbon and plays a critical role in regulating the global climate, the latest figures are being viewed as an important step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting biodiversity.

The latest data highlights the progress made since President Lula returned to office in 2023.

• One of his key election promises was to strengthen environmental protection after years of rising forest loss.
• His administration relaunched Brazil’s anti-deforestation action plan, increased inspections, expanded monitoring, and imposed tougher penalties for environmental crimes.
• During Lula’s first year back in office, Amazon deforestation was cut roughly in half, with the downward trend continuing into 2026.

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Sharp Contrast With Previous Years

The Amazon deforestation drops to a 10-year low after forest loss reached its highest levels around 2022, during the administration of former President Jair Bolsonaro. That year, an area of rainforest roughly 13 times the size of New York City was cleared.

Bolsonaro promoted mining and economic development in the Amazon, while critics argued that environmental protections were weakened and illegal deforestation accelerated during his presidency.

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Why the Amazon Matters Globally

The Amazon rainforest is one of the planet’s most important ecosystems.

• It absorbs vast amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide, helps regulate global rainfall patterns, and supports nearly 10% of the world’s known biodiversity.
• Scientists also identify deforestation as the largest source of Brazil’s greenhouse gas emissions, making forest conservation essential for achieving national and international climate goals.

Brazil’s recent progress has been credited as one of the major reasons global tropical rainforest loss declined during the past year.

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Challenges Remain Despite Progress

Although conservation groups have welcomed the latest figures, Lula’s environmental record continues to face scrutiny. Critics have questioned the government’s approval of expanded oil exploration near the mouth of the Amazon River, arguing that fossil fuel development conflicts with Brazil’s climate ambitions.

The government has defended its environmental strategy, emphasizing that reducing illegal deforestation remains a national priority rather than simply an international commitment.

With Brazil preparing for another presidential election and Lula seeking a fourth non-consecutive term, protecting the Amazon is expected to remain a central political and environmental issue. While the latest figures demonstrate meaningful progress, experts say sustained enforcement, Indigenous land protection, and continued investment in forest conservation will be crucial to achieving Brazil’s goal of ending illegal deforestation by 2030.