Amazon Deforestation Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade Under Lula

Brazilian government data released July 10, 2026 showed Amazon deforestation fell to its lowest first-half total in a decade: 1,295 km2 (500 sq mi) cleared from January-June 2026, a 38% drop versus the same period in 2025 and the lowest since 2016. The rolling 12-month total -- 3,182 km2 -- is the lowest since Brazil's DETER satellite monitoring system began in July 2014. Environment Minister Marina Silva credited coordinated federal action, noting 70 of the 81 highest-deforestation municipalities have now joined anti-clearing initiatives. The decline continues a trend since President Lula da Silva returned to office in 2023, though scientists caution gains remain fragile given economic pressure, infrastructure expansion, and drought/fire risk.