Brazil's Deforestation Crisis Continues Despite Lula Government's Efforts

Preliminary data shows that deforestation in Brazil increased by 14% in March compared to the same month last year, highlighting the challenges faced by President Lula in halting deforestation that surged under his predecessor. During the tenure of former President Bolsonaro, experts warned that surging deforestation was endangering efforts to address the climate crisis and Indigenous communities. Lula had promised to crack down on deforestation and protect Indigenous people from the illegal enterprises driving its rise, but the new government needs to act urgently to rebuild its capacity for repression to environmental crime.