# Amazon and Cerrado deforestation trends in Brazil

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/amazon-deforestation-trends-in-brazil
> Updated: 2026-10-14T00:01:00.000Z. Sources: 62. Developments: 2.

Data indicates a significant downward trend in Amazon and Cerrado deforestation in Brazil. Reports from MapBiomas show that 2025 saw the lowest level of clearing since 1985, with 693,000 hectares lost. This decline is attributed to enhanced satellite monitoring, territorial planning, and inspection policies under the administration of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

National Institute for Space Research (INPE) data corroborates this progress. Between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026, the rainforest lost 3,335 square kilometers, representing a 41.8% decrease compared to the previous year. This marks the lowest level of deforestation since 1988. The government reported that deforestation has fallen 71% since 2023.

The Cerrado biome also experienced a reduction in vegetation loss, with 5,516.69 square kilometers cleared, marking a 23.8% decrease and the third consecutive decline for the region. This represents the Cerrado’s lowest level of clearing since 2001, with much of the loss concentrated in the MATOPIBA region across Maranhão, Tocantins, Piauí, and Bahia.

Environment Minister João Paulo Capobianco attributed these declines to structured public policies, including the ‘União com Municípios’ program, which invested R$ 780 million in 80 municipalities to combat land grabbing. Other initiatives include the ‘Bolsa Verde’ program for sustainable resource use and financial incentives, such as interest rate reductions, for environmentally compliant farmers.

Despite these reductions, long-term environmental pressures remain high. Agribusiness has expanded aggressively, growing 561% in areas surrounding protected territories over the last 41 years, and now occupies 30.5% of these zones. Furthermore, mining activity has increased significantly, and infrastructure remains a primary driver of land occupation.

## Claims

- 7 million hectares of forest were deforested last year. (disputed by 21 sources)
- Amazon deforestation reached 3,335 square kilometers, the lowest level since 1988. (disputed by 20 sources)
- The Amazon recorded its lowest deforestation level in 41 years in 2025, totaling 693,000 hectares. (disputed by 12 sources)
- Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon reached its lowest level since 1985 in 2025. (disputed)
- Deforestation decreased by 15 percent last year compared to the previous year. (corroborated by 22 sources)
- More than 100 states committed to stopping large-scale deforestation by 2030 at the Glasgow climate summit. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The average annual deforestation between 2018 and 2020 was 8.3 million hectares. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- To reach the 2030 goal, annual deforestation should have decreased by one million hectares each year since 2021. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- The consulting agency Climate Focus released an assessment titled ‘Forest Declaration Assessment’. (corroborated by 21 sources)
- Amazon deforestation fell 42% between August 2025 and July 2026. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- Forests absorb approximately one-third of annual human-caused CO2 emissions. (corroborated by 19 sources)
- Cerrado deforestation fell 24% to 5,516 square kilometers. (corroborated by 17 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-14: Amazon and Cerrado deforestation hit historic lows

Deforestation in the Amazon and Cerrado has hit historic lows, with Amazonian loss dropping 42% to its lowest level since 1988, driven by strengthened environmental enforcement in Brazil.

60 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-deforestation-rates-fail-to-meet-2030-targets

### 2026-10-11: Brazil reports reduction in Amazon deforestation despite recent monthly increase

Brazil reports a significant long-term reduction in Amazon deforestation under the Lula administration, despite a recent 9% monthly increase in September.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/brazil-reports-reduction-in-amazon-deforestation-despite-recent-monthly-increase

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Cite as: Amazon and Cerrado deforestation trends in Brazil. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/amazon-deforestation-trends-in-brazil