What's happened
New data shows the Atlantic forest and Amazon have recorded lower deforestation in 2025, but forest degradation and legislative risks threaten potential gains amid El Niño and political pressure on enforcement.
What's behind the headline?
Key takeaways
- Brazil has recorded a historic low in deforestation for the Atlantic forest in 2025, with 8,658 hectares deforested, below 10,000 hectares for the first time since 1985.
- The trend faces headwinds from a new environmental bill in Congress and the possibility of a far-right government reshaping policy.
- Across the Amazon, while deforestation shows a decline in official figures, forest degradation is rising and could undermine gains if El Niño-driven droughts persist.
- Experts warn that lasting protection requires strengthening enforcement tools and restoring degraded areas, not just reducing clocked deforestation.
How we got here
Deforestation monitoring in Brazil has shown a drop to below 10,000 hectares in 2025, the first such decline since records began 40 years ago. Environmental groups warn that new congressional bills and potential shifts in administration could undo progress, while degradation from fires and drought remains a growing concern across the Amazon.
Our analysis
The Guardian reports 2025 deforestation in Brazil’s Atlantic forest has fallen below 10,000 hectares for the first time since monitoring began. The Independent notes that degradation remains a threat in the Amazon, with El Niño intensifying drought risks. The New York Times highlights research on tipping points and the global impact of the Amazon’s health.
Go deeper
- What does the 2025 decline mean for Brazil’s climate commitments?
- Could new legislation curb enforcement in practice?
- How might El Niño affect forest health this year?
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