Brazil Amazon Deforestation Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade Under Lula

Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE) reported on July 10, 2026, that Amazon deforestation from January–June 2026 totaled 1,295 km² (500 sq mi) — a 38% drop versus the same period in 2025 and the lowest first-half figure since 2016. President Lula da Silva credited the relaunched PPCDAm federal anti-deforestation plan and stepped-up IBAMA enforcement, and reaffirmed Brazil's pledge to eliminate illegal deforestation by 2030. The figures follow an April 2026 WRI/University of Maryland GLAD Lab report showing Brazil cut non-fire primary forest loss 41% in 2025 versus 2024 — its lowest level on record. Lula pointed to the new data amid renewed U.S. tariff pressure on Brazil, saying: 'They don't understand the work we are doing to bring deforestation down to zero by 2030.' Critics continue to note the government's parallel approval of expanded oil exploration near the mouth of the Amazon River.