From Brazil Reports · Claire Carson · · 1m 10s
Amazon deforestation risks despite Lula's win
Brazil's Lula wins election but Congress shift threatens Amazon rainforest.
In brief
Brazil's Lula wins election but Congress shift threatens Amazon rainforest. Brazil's Lula won re-election but a rightward shift in Congress risks Amazon deforestation despite lower deforestation rates under his government. Originally reported by Brazil Reports.
Lula's election victory
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won an unprecedented fourth term over right-wing senator Flávio Bolsonaro in last week's runoff election.
Amazon deforestation drop
Amazon deforestation dropped to its lowest level since monitoring began in 1988 under Lula's third term.
Congress rightward shift
Bolsonaro's Liberal Party won most seats in both chambers of Congress in first round of general elections on October 4.
Environmental policy risks
Climate advocacy network found nearly 70% of incoming lawmakers have low commitment to environmental issues.
Land grabbing concerns
Legislative changes could enable mining on Indigenous lands and deforestation monitoring erosion.
Climate finance dynamics
Brazil approved record R$1.3 billion (USD $236 million) in 2023 but new Congress may weaken climate finance commitments.
Future environmental risks
Lopes warned legislative changes could encourage land grabbing and deforestation despite Lula's re-election victory.
The one thing
Brazil's Lula won re-election but a rightward shift in Congress risks Amazon deforestation despite lower deforestation rates under his government.
