Amazon deforestation hits 40-year low ahead of Brazil election

Summary

Brazil's Amazon deforestation has reached its lowest level in 40 years, according to France 24, just over a week before the presidential run-off between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro. Al Jazeera reports that forest clearance fell 42 percent from a year earlier to its lowest level on record, giving Lula a boost before the run-off. The BBC reports a record fall ahead of a key election and notes that deforestation had expanded under former president Jair Bolsonaro.

Timeline

1. BBC

   17 Oct 2026, 02:33 UTCSource ↗

   The BBC reports a record fall in Amazon deforestation ahead of a key election, noting that deforestation had expanded under former president Jair Bolsonaro.

2. Al Jazeera

   17 Oct 2026, 02:49 UTCSource ↗

   Al Jazeera reports that forest clearance fell 42 percent from a year earlier to its lowest level on record, giving Lula a boost before the election run-off.

3. France 24

   17 Oct 2026, 16:07 UTCSource ↗

   France 24 reports that Amazon deforestation in Brazil has reached a 40-year low, bolstering Lula's environmental record just over a week before the second round of the presidential election against Flávio Bolsonaro.