The story so far · 4 days, October 16 to 21, 2026
One Turn followed this story across 4 editions, from Amazon rainforest on October 16, 2026. Newest first.
Brazil has reduced deforestation in recent years through enforcement. Drought makes the forest more vulnerable to fire.
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Satellites detected 9,045 fire hotspots in the Brazilian Amazon in the first half of October, 62% more than a year earlier, amid an El Niño-worsened drought. Deforestation over the past year fell to its lowest level since 1988.
Why it matters: The Amazon is a major carbon store, and both fires and clearing affect global climate goals.
Sources: MercoPress · See it on the globe
About 3,335 square kilometres of Brazilian Amazon were cleared in the 12 months to July, the lowest since records began in 1988.
Why it matters: Protecting the Amazon is vital for global climate stability and biodiversity.
Sources: The Hindu · See it on the globe
Forest clearance in Brazil's Amazon fell about 42% year on year to roughly 3,335 square kilometres in the 12 months through July, one of the lowest totals since records began in 1988. Deforestation had expanded under former president Bolsonaro; the figures are a boost for Lula ahead of the run-off.
Sources: BBC News, The Guardian, The Hindu · See it on the globe
Brazil's environment minister said Amazon deforestation in the year to July 2026 fell to its lowest level since 1988, except for 2012.
Why it matters: Protecting the Amazon is central to global efforts to curb climate change and biodiversity loss.
Sources: France 24 · See it on the globe