Mongabay · Climate & nature

Right-Wing Shift Threatens Amazon Conservation, Experts Warn

A growing trend of right-wing leadership across Amazonian nations could place up to 95% of the rainforest under administrations prioritizing resource exploitation over conservation, experts caution.

Four of nine Amazonian countries currently have right-wing leaders. By January 2027, five could be led by right-wing or far-right parties, including Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Brazil faces a close October election, potentially leading to policies favoring mining and agribusiness.

These political shifts risk abandoning environmental cooperation, potentially pushing the Amazon to a tipping point. Experts worry that a focus on economic issues and deregulation could accelerate deforestation.

In Bolivia, the environment ministry was downgraded, and regulations were relaxed. Ecuador is reopening mining and downgrading environmental agencies, sparking protests from Indigenous groups.

Peru and Colombia's new conservative leaders are expected to promote private investment and expedite permits for fossil fuels and mining. Concerns exist about potential militarization and a rollback of rights.

Experts note that even pro-conservation governments face challenges. When leaders oppose conservation, the situation becomes nearly impossible, potentially spreading cross-border violence.

Deforestation rates have fluctuated, with a record high in fire impacts in 2024 followed by a reduction in 2025. Approximately 13% of the Amazon biome has been deforested.

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