Twelve environmental facts about Brazil in 2025 – A greener life, a greener world

At the forefront of progress and setbacks

As Brazil continues to navigate its environmental challenges and opportunities, the country is at the forefront of both progress and setbacks. Key updates reflect a dynamic landscape, from shifting deforestation rates in the Amazon to ground breaking initiatives in clean energy. As the world’s attention turns toward COP30, Brazil’s evolving environmental strategies will play a crucial role in shaping global discussions on sustainability, climate change, and conservation efforts.

1. Deforestation decline in the Amazon

Deforestation in the Amazon has reached a nine-year low, with a significant 30.6% decrease compared to the previous year. This decline marks a notable shift after years of rising deforestation rates. 2020 for example, the Amazon saw its highest deforestation rate in over a decade.

However, recent efforts have focused on reversing this trend, with the government implementing stricter enforcement of environmental regulations and bolstering sustainable initiatives, such as promoting conservation efforts and enforcing land-use restrictions. These actions, alongside increased monitoring and satellite tracking, have been vital in curbing illegal logging and land clearing. While the current deforestation rate is a positive sign, the issue remains complex, as forest loss also stems from factors like wildfires and agricultural expansion. The overall landscape of deforestation continues to reflect both progress and ongoing challenges in protecting the Amazon.

2. COP30 in Belém

The COP30 summit is set to take place in Belém, Pará, Brazil, from November 30 to December 12, 2025. Belém, located in the heart of the Amazon, will provide a powerful backdrop for discussions on climate change and conservation, given its proximity to one of the world’s most critical ecosystems. As the host city, Belém is expected to spotlight Brazil’s efforts to balance environmental preservation with economic growth. However, the decision to hold the summit in Belém has sparked some controversy. Critics argue that the city’s infrastructure may not be fully prepared to accommodate the influx of global leaders, activists, and experts, potentially straining resources and logistics. Additionally, some environmental groups have raised concerns about the environmental impact of hosting such a large-scale event in a region already facing deforestation and other ecological pressures. Despite these challenges, the summit’s location is symbolic, underscoring the importance of the Amazon in global climate discussions.

3. Pantanal wildfires

In 2024, wildfires devastated 760,000 hectares of the Pantanal wetlands, one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems. These fires are particularly significant due to the unique vulnerability of the Pantanal, where prolonged droughts and rising temperatures, intensified by climate change, have created ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly. Unlike wildfires in many other regions, the fires in the Pantanal are not only damaging forests but also destroying fragile wetlands that serve as crucial habitats for species like jaguars, capybaras, and hundreds of bird species. Deforestation in the surrounding areas has also exacerbated the situation, with cleared land increasing the risk of fires as vegetation is removed and the landscape becomes more susceptible to ignition. The scale of these fires highlights the growing environmental threat faced by Brazil’s ecosystems, with the Pantanal’s already delicate balance further destabilised. The destruction of the wetlands impacts not just local biodiversity, but also contributes to the overall climate crisis, as the Pantanal plays a critical role in carbon sequestration.

4. Renewable energy expansion

Brazil’s renewable energy sector continues to grow, with hydropower providing around 60% of the country’s electricity, making it one of the world’s largest producers of hydropower. However, the country is diversifying its energy mix, and solar and wind power are expanding rapidly. In 2024, Brazil’s installed capacity for wind power reached approximately 22.6 GW, and solar capacity surpassed 25.5 GW, marking a significant shift toward non-hydropower renewable sources. These clean energy technologies are pivotal to Brazil’s goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting its international climate commitments.

Solar and wind energy have been particularly prominent in Brazil’s energy transition, with the country ranking as one of the top ten global leaders in new solar installations. The potential for further expansion is immense, with regions like the Northeast, with high solar irradiation and strong winds, being ideal for harnessing renewable energy.

However, this transition has not been without its controversies. While the expansion of wind and solar power is seen as essential to reducing reliance on fossil fuels, large-scale projects have sometimes sparked local opposition due to their environmental impact. Wind farms, for example, have raised concerns over their effects on bird populations, particularly in areas where migratory patterns overlap. Similarly, solar farms have raised concerns about land use, as large installations can displace agricultural or natural areas, prompting debates over land rights and the balance between conservation and development.

Furthermore, the heavy reliance on hydropower has its own set of challenges, as droughts have increasingly strained Brazil’s hydroelectric capacity, leading to calls for a more diversified energy mix. While hydropower accounts for a significant portion of the energy grid, the ecological impact of building large dams, particularly in the Amazon basin, has been a point of contention for environmental groups, who argue that they disrupt local ecosystems and contribute to deforestation. These debates highlight the complexities of Brazil’s energy future, where the pursuit of clean energy must be balanced with environmental and social considerations.

5. Biofuels leadership

Brazil remains a global leader in biofuel production, particularly ethanol from sugarcane, which significantly reduces reliance on fossil fuels and cuts greenhouse gas emissions. Ethanol accounts for over 40% of fuel used in Brazil’s vehicles, making it a key component of the country’s renewable energy strategy.

However, the expansion of sugarcane plantations has raised concerns about deforestation, biodiversity loss, and soil depletion. Additionally, the environmental benefits of biofuels are debated, particularly regarding the energy required for production and potential competition with food crops.

Despite these challenges, biofuels remain crucial for Brazil’s energy security, offering a relatively efficient alternative to fossil fuels while helping to diversify energy sources and reduce global oil dependence.

6. Agriculture’s environmental impact

Agricultural expansion for soy, palm oil, and cattle ranching drives 70-80% of deforestation in Brazil, with 10,000 square kilometers of the Amazon cleared in 2023. Soy and cattle ranching are the primary culprits, responsible for 50% and 60-70% of deforestation, respectively. To combat this, sustainable farming practices and reforestation programs are key. Initiatives like the Amazon Region Protected Areas Program and efforts to restore 12 million hectares of degraded land by 2025 aim to reduce Brazil’s carbon footprint and halt further environmental damage.

7. Environmental disasters

Brazil has faced devastating environmental disasters, including oil spills, dam collapses, and wildfires, with severe ecological and social impacts.

In 2000, the Petrobras oil spill in Guanabara Bay released 1.3 million liters of oil, destroying marine life and mangroves and harming local fishermen. The 2015 Mariana dam collapse spilled 43.7 million cubic meters of toxic waste, polluting the Doce River and displacing communities. In 2019, the Brumadinho dam disaster killed 270 people, raising concerns about mining safety.

Wildfires also surged in 2024, burning over 30 million hectares due to drought and deforestation. Strengthening regulations, enforcing safety standards, and enhancing monitoring systems are crucial to prevent future tragedies.

8. Biodiversity protection

Brazil, home to around 20% of the world’s species, faces severe biodiversity loss due to deforestation, habitat destruction, and climate change. The Amazon has lost 14% of its forest cover, and the Atlantic Forest has seen over 90% deforestation.

Efforts like the Mantiqueira Conservation Project are restoring millions of acres, while sustainable bioeconomy initiatives in the Amazon incentivize forest preservation. Remarkably, species like the South American tapir have reappeared after being presumed extinct.

Global agreements like the COP15 Global Biodiversity Framework further support ecosystem restoration and biodiversity protection. Strengthening these efforts is crucial to safeguarding Brazil’s rich biodiversity.

9. Belém’s environmental challenges

Despite its role as the host city for COP30, Belém struggles with significant pollution, treating only 2% of its sewage. This lack of proper sanitation threatens public health and the surrounding Amazon ecosystem. Investing in wastewater treatment infrastructure and expanding access to clean water are critical steps to address these challenges.

At the same time, Belém has the opportunity to demonstrate environmental leadership. By implementing sustainable urban policies, promoting waste management innovations, and collaborating on climate resilience projects, the city can set an example of progress for other regions facing similar issues. Hosting COP30 presents a unique platform to showcase these efforts and inspire global action.

10. Environmental activist safety

Brazil is one of the deadliest countries for environmental activists, with 25 killings in 2023 alone, making it the second most dangerous globally. Over the past decade, 401 activists have been murdered, primarily due to conflicts over land rights, illegal mining, and agribusiness interests. Indigenous communities are particularly vulnerable, representing 43% of the victims.

The lack of legal protections and impunity—98% of murders in some areas remain unsolved—exacerbates the danger. Stronger legal measures, including better law enforcement, specific legislation for activist protection, and accountability, are essential to safeguarding those fighting for the environment.

11. Political controversies and deforestation policies

Brazil has made progress in reducing deforestation, with a 30.6% drop in Amazon deforestation between 2023 and 2024. However, historical policies contributed to significant forest loss, with 54.2 million hectares destroyed between 2001 and 2020.

Indigenous lands, though legally protected, continue to face threats from illegal activities, including a 495% increase in illegal mining from 2010 to 2020. This has led to environmental harm and health issues, such as mercury contamination. Proposed legislation like PL 490/2007 could further expose these lands to exploitation.

12. Climate diplomacy and green commitments

Brazil has set ambitious climate goals, including a 59%-67% reduction in emissions by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050. Initiatives like the Renovagro Plan aim to reduce over one billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030.

However, ongoing fossil fuel projects, like Petrobras’s drilling off the Amazon coast, threaten these targets. Brazil’s fossil fuel subsidies are also significantly higher than its renewable energy investments. Moreover, lenient penalties for environmental violations, such as Chevron’s minimal fine for a major oil spill, undermine enforcement efforts. Stronger legal measures and policy alignment are needed to meet climate commitments.

Summary

In conclusion, Brazil’s environmental story is a complex blend of progress and challenges. While there have been positive steps, such as a 22% reduction in Amazon deforestation in 2023 and efforts to protect indigenous lands, the country still faces significant threats like wildfires, coastal erosion, and the expansion of fossil fuel projects.

The nation’s future trajectory toward a greener future will depend on continued efforts to strengthen policies, implement sustainable initiatives, and foster global collaboration. Only through these measures can Brazil ensure that its environmental commitments lead to meaningful change.

While Brazil’s environmental landscape continues to evolve, many of today’s challenges and successes build upon past trends.

The pace of change in Brazil