Brazil's Atlantic Forest: A Story of Resilience and Concern
The Atlantic Forest, a vital ecosystem in Brazil, has witnessed a remarkable decline in deforestation, marking a 40% drop from 2024 to 2025, according to recent data. This achievement is a testament to the efforts of environmentalists and the public, who have been instrumental in combating deforestation. The forest, once facing imminent threats, now stands as a beacon of hope, but the story is not without its complexities and challenges.
A Glimmer of Hope
The Atlantic Forest, a biome spanning 24% of its original forest cover, has been a focal point of environmental concern. Its degradation and urbanisation have been a stark contrast to the Amazon and Cerrado savanna, which retain about 80% and 50% of their original forest cover, respectively. The 2025 deforestation figure of 8,658 hectares is a significant milestone, marking the first time it has fallen below 10,000 hectares since 1985. This achievement is a result of a combination of factors, including public pressure, civil society mobilisation, and environmental policies and enforcement actions.
The Threat of Reversal
Despite this progress, the Atlantic Forest remains vulnerable. The recent approval of the 'devastation bill' in Brazil's congress poses a significant threat. This law weakens environmental protection, removing the requirement for prior approval from the federal environmental agency for states to authorise deforestation. It leaves the decision entirely to local authorities, and its constitutionality is being challenged in the supreme court. Malu Ribeiro, director of public policy at SOS Mata Atlântica, warns that this law is a 'distortion' that puts Brazil at odds with the Paris Agreement and could exacerbate climate disasters.
The political landscape also adds to the uncertainty. The prospect of a far-right government, opposed to environmental protection policies, returning to power in the October presidential election is a cause for concern. Flávio Bolsonaro, the senator and son of the former president Jair Bolsonaro, is tied in the polls with the current president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Luís Fernando Guedes Pinto, executive director of the NGO SOS Mata Atlântica, warns that a victory for Bolsonaro could 'lose Brazil the opportunity to be a global environmental leader'.
The Legacy of Bolsonaro
The elder Bolsonaro's administration from 2019 to 2023 saw a historic surge in deforestation and a gold rush into Indigenous lands. Many scientists, environmentalists, and activists fear that such rampant destruction could return if his son, who has vowed to follow his father's playbook, comes to power. Pinto highlights the anti-science stance of Bolsonaro's political group, which denies climate science and views nature and forests as obstacles to development.
The Way Forward
Despite the challenges, there is a glimmer of hope. Pinto believes that the Atlantic Forest could reach 'zero deforestation' within the next three years if the downward trend continues. However, the 'devastation bill' and the political uncertainty cast a shadow over this possibility. The Atlantic Forest's story is a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of collective action, but it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle for environmental protection in Brazil.
