The Prodes satellite data series, considered the most accurate measure of deforestation, showed forest clearance in the Brazilian Amazon fell by 41.8% over the past year to 3,335 square kilometres, the lowest value since measurements began in 1988. This beats the previous record low by 1,236 square kilometres, an area roughly the size of Rio de Janeiro.
Since 2022, the year before the start of the Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva administration, the deforestation rate has slowed by 71.2%, according to data collated by Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research. The decline is largely attributed to stronger enforcement measures and state investments in environmental agencies.
The Brazilian states with the highest deforestation in 2026 were Pará (33.9% of the total), Mato Grosso (25.5%) and Amazonas (15.7%). Even in those states, figures were down more than 45% on the previous year. The only state where deforestation grew was Roraima, a stronghold of the opposition, rising by 0.4%.
Outside the Amazon, the neighbouring Cerrado savannah biome registered its lowest annual deforestation since 2001, at 5,516 square kilometres. Over the past four years, Cerrado deforestation has fallen by 48.4%. The Cerrado has long been treated as an area of environmental sacrifice, where soya and beef producers could clear more forest than allowed in the Amazon.
However, the globally significant progress is on a knife edge. Incumbent President Lula fell behind in the first round of voting despite his record on reducing Amazon destruction, alongside reductions in poverty and food insecurity. He faces Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former president Jair Bolsonaro, in the 25 October runoff.