Elections in Brazil. Their stake is the future of the "lungs of the Earth"

According to the National Institute for Space Research, deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon has decreased by 41.8% as of July 2026, reaching the lowest level in nearly 40 years. From August 2025 to July 2026, 3,335 square kilometers of forest were cleared, a significant drop from 5,731 square kilometers the previous year. Jair Bolsonaro's presidency was marked by environmental damage, including reduced penalties for illegal deforestation. In contrast, President Lula da Silva has reinstated environmental protection measures and aims for zero deforestation by 2030. Flavio Bolsonaro, Jair's son, presents a less ambitious deforestation goal and has a similar environmental stance, raising concerns about future policies. Recent polls show a tight race between Flavio Bolsonaro and Lula, with Flavio slightly ahead.