Deforestation in the Amazon: What happened
According to satellite data published by the Brazilian Space Agency (INPE), deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon reached its lowest level in the last 10 years. Between January and June 2025, a total of 2,090 square kilometers of deforestation was recorded in the Brazilian Amazon. In the same period of 2026, the total deforested area was 1,295 square kilometers, marking a 38% reduction.
This reduction is an indicator that the political will to combat deforestation is prevailing, according to Ane Alencar, director of science at the Amazon Environmental Research Institute. Alencar emphasizes that the reduction in deforestation does not mean that the Amazon is protected, as threats such as illegal gold mining and forest fires are still a concern.
Why this matters
The reduction in deforestation in the Amazon is crucial for the preservation of biodiversity and for mitigating climate change. The Amazon is one of the largest ecosystems on the planet and plays a fundamental role in regulating the global climate. The loss of forest contributes to the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, and can have devastating consequences for the environment and for the communities that depend on the forest.
The reduction in deforestation is also an indicator that conservation policies and environmental protection actions are having an effect. This can inspire other countries and regions to adopt similar measures to protect their own forests and ecosystems.
The mechanism behind deforestation
Deforestation is a complex process that involves the interaction of economic, social, and environmental factors. Agricultural expansion, livestock, and mining are some of the main causes of deforestation in the Amazon. Additionally, the lack of regulation and enforcement, combined with corruption and impunity, contribute to the perpetuation of illegal deforestation.
The science behind deforestation is clear: the loss of forest contributes to the release of greenhouse gases, which in turn contribute to climate change. Furthermore, the forest plays a fundamental role in regulating the water cycle and maintaining biodiversity.
Broader context
The reduction in deforestation in the Amazon is a positive event, but it is not isolated. In 2024, forest fires were responsible for about 60% of the loss of primary forest in the Brazilian Amazon. Additionally, the area burned in the Amazon in the first half of 2026 was almost 40% lower than the historical average from 2013 to 2025, according to João Paulo Sotero, director of deforestation and fire policy at the Brazilian Ministry of Environment.
The forecast of a "super" El Niño for the second half of 2026 may have significant implications for the Amazon, as it can lead to more severe drought conditions and increase the risk of forest fires.
What happens next
The reduction in deforestation in the Amazon is an important step, but it is not enough. It is necessary to continue working to protect the forest and the Amazon ecosystems, as well as to promote sustainable development and conservation of biodiversity.
Efforts to combat deforestation and promote conservation of the Amazon must be continued and intensified, with the participation of governments, non-governmental organizations, local communities, and the private sector. Additionally, it is essential to continue monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of conservation policies and actions, as well as identifying and addressing the challenges and threats that still persist.
Source / Reference
This article was originally published in Mongabay.