🛰️ Deforestation dip? Don’t count on it

Partial data suggests that Brazil’s all-important 2024-25 annual Amazon deforestation figure could show an increase, instead of the promised reduction.

DEFORESTATION

Amazon deforestation at risk of showing increase this year

Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon is set to increase in 2025, with experts and the federal government blaming the rise on a wave of severe wildfires. Photo: M. H. Matsu/Shutterstock

Deforestation in Brazil’s Amazon is expected to increase in 2025, with experts and the federal government attributing the rise to a surge in severe wildfires. Photo: M. H. Matsu/Shutterstock

As part of Brazil hosting the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém this November, the federal government will be keen to announce a meaty annual drop in Amazon deforestation — something to rival the impressive 30% reduction recorded last year.

However, partial data from this year suggests that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won’t get his much desired deforestation decrease. And, in fact, the annual rate of destruction in the Amazon is set to increase — and this unwelcome news would be announced right before the beginning of COP30…

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