Brazilian Amazon deforestation falls to lowest level since 1988

Summary

Brazilian government data show that Amazon deforestation reached its lowest level since records began in 1988. Deutsche Welle and The Hindu report that 3,335 square kilometres were cleared in the year ending in July, while The Straits Times reports a nearly 42% decline between August 2025 and July 2026; RTÉ says the data were released by Brazil’s space research agency, Inpe. The Guardian says the decrease comes ahead of an Oct. 25 presidential runoff between candidates with sharply different visions for the rainforest.

Timeline

1. ABC News

   16 Oct 2026, 18:36 UTCSource ↗

   ABC News reports that Brazil’s government announced annual Amazon deforestation had fallen to its lowest level since 1988.

2. The Guardian

   16 Oct 2026, 19:37 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that new government data show Amazon forest clearance at its lowest level since records began in 1988, ahead of an Oct. 25 presidential runoff between candidates with sharply different visions for the rainforest.

3. The Straits Times

   16 Oct 2026, 19:55 UTCSource ↗

   The Straits Times reports that deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon fell nearly 42% to a record low between August 2025 and July 2026.

4. Deutsche Welle

   16 Oct 2026, 22:30 UTCSource ↗

   Deutsche Welle reports that 3,335 square kilometres of Amazon rainforest were cleared in the year ending in July, the lowest amount since 1988, and says the drop has been described as an historic achievement.

5. The Hindu

   17 Oct 2026, 00:46 UTCSource ↗

   The Hindu reports that 3,335 square kilometres of Amazon jungle were destroyed in the 12 months through July, an all-time low in the historical series dating to 1988.

6. RTÉ

   17 Oct 2026, 01:34 UTCSource ↗

   RTÉ reports that deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon fell to a record low in the 12 months through July, according to data released by the Brazilian space research agency Inpe.