In Brazil, some states are reducing protections for the Amazon rainforest. Agricultural groups, including cattle ranchers and soybean producers, are pushing for more farming areas by cutting down forests. This effort directly conflicts with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s goal to decrease deforestation. The loss of forests increases carbon emissions and threatens Brazil’s ability to meet its 2030 deforestation targets. The Amazon is essential for global climate stability, as it is home to a rich ecosystem and holds a large portion of the world’s freshwater.

In August 2024, the state of Acre passed a new law allowing the privatization of protected forest areas. This law aims to legalize settlements in conservation areas and has been supported by agribusiness groups, who argue that forests limit economic growth. However, environmentalists fear this could lead to further deforestation. Satellite data has shown an increase in illegal deforestation in Acre and neighboring states like RondThreatenonia, where changes in conservation laws have caused major forest fires. These issues challenge Brazil’s environmental goals and the protection of the Amazon.