The Facts
Preliminary government data released Thursday showed that deforestation in Brazil's Amazon fell 34% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period a year ago, hitting its lowest level in four years. This comes as President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva institutes stricter environmental policies.
New data indicate that 2,649 sq km (or 1,023 sq miles) of rainforest were cleared in the first half of this year, according to Brazil's National Space Research Agency — the lowest tally since 2019.
The Spin
Narrative A
After four years of rising destruction in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest, action against deforestation has finally taken effect under Lula. This is good news for everyone, given that two-thirds of the world's rainforests are located in Brazil — covering an area twice the size of India. The Amazon's future is integral to humanity, holding tremendous stores of carbon and serving as a crucial buffer against climate change.
Narrative B
If Lula is to fulfill his green promises, he needs to stop showing loyalty to the state oil company and agribusiness. Oil and agriculture are increasingly important for the country, and lobbyists command sizeable power in both houses of Congress. Part of the agriculture sector’s expansion happened under Lula’s first two administrations as trade with China continues to accelerate. There are concerning entanglements here.
