Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has won re-election for a fourth term, with environmental groups welcoming the result as an opportunity to continue protecting the Amazon rain forest and tackling climate change.

Since returning to office in 2023, Lula’s government has overseen a significant reduction in deforestation. The rate fell by 42% over the past year and now stands 71% below its 2022 level, according to figures cited in the report.

The decline follows a period of increased forest destruction under former President Jair Bolsonaro, whose administration weakened environmental protections between 2019 and 2023. During that period, deforestation increased by around 60%, with more than 45,000 square kilometers of forest cleared.

Lula’s government revived Brazil’s Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of Deforestation in the Legal Amazon. The programme strengthens satellite monitoring, enforcement against illegal forest clearing and measures encouraging more sustainable land use.

Environmental organisation have welcomed the progress. Greenpeace Brazil described Lula’s victory as a win for democracy and a continuation of efforts to protect the Amazon and address climate change.

The Amazon is important beyond Brazil because it stores large amounts of carbon dioxide, helps regulate weather patterns and supports approximately 15% of global biodiversity, according to Greenpeace Brazil.

However, environmentalists warn that maintaining these gains will require continued investment and stronger protection for Indigenous communities and natural ecosystems.

Lula faces challenges in Congress, where right-wing parties made significant gains during the election. His Workers’ Party federation secured fewer seats in the Chamber of Deputies than the Liberal Party, meaning centre-right lawmakers could play a decisive role in future legislation.

Environmental groups have warned that lawmakers opposed to climate policies could attempt to weaken protections. They say public support will be important in defending environmental progress over the next four years.

Other threats remain, including wildfires, illegal logging and drought. An expected strong El Niño could bring hotter and drier conditions, increasing the risk of forest fires.

Despite these challenges, environmental advocates say the government can continue enforcing existing laws and establishing protected areas. They stress that sustaining the reduction in deforestation will require continued action across Brazil’s different ecosystems.