Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon drops nearly 31% to lowest level in nine years

Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest decreased by 30.6% over the past year, marking the lowest level of destruction in nine years. The area lost was 6,288 square kilometers, roughly the size of Delaware. This decline contrasts sharply with the previous administration, which saw deforestation reach a 15-year high. Deforestation in Brazil's Cerrado savannah also fell by 25.7%, the first decrease in five years, totaling 8,174 square kilometers. Despite these improvements, environmentalists criticize President Lula's government for supporting projects that may harm the Amazon. Recent drought conditions have led to increased forest fires, with further assessments pending to determine their impact.