Brazil sees sharpest drop in emissions in 15 years

Experts attribute the reduction largely to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s renewed efforts to combat deforestation, reversing years of environmental neglect. “The new data shows the impact of the federal government retaking control over deforestation after a deliberate lack of control between 2019 and 2022,” the group stated, referring to the tenure of former president Jair Bolsonaro, under whom illegal Amazon deforestation surged.

Lula’s Zero deforestation goal

Since taking office for a third term in 2023, Lula has prioritised restoring environmental governance and pledged to achieve zero deforestation by 2030. Official satellite data confirm a steady decline in forest clearance rates across the Amazon rainforest, the planet’s largest tropical forest and a critical global carbon sink.

The new figures are a significant achievement for Lula’s administration as Brazil positions itself as a leader in climate diplomacy and sustainable development.

Ongoing tensions over oil exploration

Despite the progress, environmental groups remain concerned about Brazil’s contradictory energy policies. The Climate Observatory criticised Lula’s endorsement of a massive offshore oil project near the mouth of the Amazon River.

Last month, Petrobras, the state-owned oil company, began drilling in the Foz de Amazonas region after securing approval following a five-year environmental dispute. Lula has defended the move, arguing that revenues from oil production will finance the country’s green transition.

Critics, however, see the decision as inconsistent with Brazil’s climate leadership goals, especially as Lula prepares to host COP30 in Belém from November 10–21, where he is expected to call on global leaders to intensify climate action.