Brazil’s deforestation rate fell by 11.6% in 2023, a glimmer of hope for global climate efforts, according to a new report by environmental monitoring network MapBiomas. The country lost 1.83 million hectares of native vegetation last year—equivalent to nearly 2.5 million soccer fields—but the decline signals progress in tackling one of the planet’s most urgent environmental challenges.
The Amazon rainforest and Cerrado savanna, Brazil’s two largest biomes, bore the brunt of deforestation, accounting for over 85% of the total cleared land. While both regions remain critical biodiversity hubs, their ecosystems are vital for carbon storage and stabilizing weather patterns worldwide.
Why it matters: Brazil’s forests are Earth’s 'green lungs,' but deforestation has fueled biodiversity loss and climate crises. This dip comes amid renewed government efforts to combat illegal logging and expand protected areas. Still, experts warn: the fight is far from over.
Quick take: 'Every hectare saved is a step toward balancing human needs and planetary health,' says a MapBiomas analyst. Young climate activists globally are rallying for faster action—because when the Amazon coughs, the whole world feels it.
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Brazil's deforestation drops 11.6% in 2023: MapBiomas report
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