Amazon Deforestation in Brazil Rises Amid Environmental Workers' Strike

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon increased in July, interrupting a trend of declining destruction under President Luiz Inacio da Silva. Preliminary data from Inpe show that about 572 square km were cleared. The rise in deforestation is partly due to a strike by environmental workers. Despite the increase, deforestation levels are still lower than under former President Jair Bolsonaro. The Environment Ministry plans to hold a press conference to discuss the data further.

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon increased in July, marking an end to a 15-month trend of declining forest destruction under President Luiz Inacio da Silva. Government data showed a 14% rise over last July, largely due to an ongoing strike by environmental workers.

Preliminary figures from the Inpe space agency indicated that approximately 572 square kilometers of the Amazon were cleared in the first 26 days of July, already surpassing last year's total for the entire month. Despite the surge, deforestation rates remain significantly lower under President Lula compared to his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro.

Lula's administration, which began in January 2023, committed to ending deforestation by 2030 as a key part of its environmental strategy. The increase is reportedly linked to weakened law enforcement amid a strike by key federal environmental agencies. Brazil's Amazon also faces challenges from fires exacerbated by regional drought and climate change.

(With inputs from agencies.)