The increase in deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon in February has raised concern, with a loss of 95.4 square kilometers of forest, according to the monitoring system of the National Institute for Space Research of Brazilhttps://www.gov.br/inpe/pt-br (INPE).
Despite this increase compared to the same month of the previous year, the affected area remains the lowest for February since records began in 2015.
This reflects a trend towards reducing deforestation, driven by stricter environmental policies in recent years.
February saw a loss of more than 95 square kilometers of forest cover, although this is the lowest record for that month in the last ten years.
The INPE has reported a year-on-year increase in deforestation in February, but highlights that the devastated area is the smallest in a February since 2015, when monitoring began.
Experts point out that the loss of this vital forest, which is crucial for absorbing atmospheric CO2, accelerates climate change and exacerbates global warming.
In February, the Brazilian Amazon lost 95.4 square kilometers of vegetation, 7.3% more than in the same month of 2025, but 15.6% less than in January of this year, according to the Government report.
Despite the year-on-year increase, deforestation in February was the lowest recorded since monitoring began in 2015, according to INPE’s alert system data.
Deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon
The destruction of the Amazon, with its capacity to absorb carbon dioxide, significantly worsens global warming, scientists warn.
During the three years of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government, deforestation has shown a decline compared to the term of Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), who promoted the exploitation of natural resources in the Amazon, including protected areas.
Lula’s government has strengthened controls to combat illegal mining, timber trafficking, and the expansion of land for agriculture, efforts that have managed to significantly reduce the devastation of the Amazon biome.
A 35.4% decrease in deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon between August 2025 and January 2026 has been recorded compared to the same previous period, reaching its lowest level since records began.
Lula, who plans to run for re-election, has promised to end illegal deforestation in the Amazon by 2030.
Since Lula’s return to power, deforestation has fallen considerably compared to the Bolsonaro period, during which environmental protections were weakened.
Between August 2025 and January 2026, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon was reduced by approximately 35% compared to the previous year, marking the lowest level since records began.
