Mongabay · Climate & nature

Amazon Rainforest Policies Hinge on Brazilian Election

Brazil's upcoming presidential election may significantly alter the future of the Amazon rainforest, with potential policy shifts depending on the outcome.

The election could see control of Brazil, which holds 60% of the Amazon, shift to Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro. Experts express concern that a Bolsonaro presidency might undo the deforestation-control policies reinstated by current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Under Jair Bolsonaro's administration, Amazon deforestation increased by approximately 60%. President Lula da Silva's government reintroduced an anti-deforestation plan in 2023, which has reportedly reduced deforestation by 45%.

Flávio Bolsonaro has stated his intention to eliminate illegal deforestation by 2029, though specific plans for achieving this goal have not been disclosed. This leaves room for concern regarding the potential weakening of existing environmental protections.

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