In brief
MapBiomas data reveal that 3.1 million hectares of the Amazon burned in 2025, the smallest since records began in 1985. The decline follows a 2024 peak of 15.8 million hectares and is credited to cooler La Niña conditions. 31 % lower than the historic average, the figure is hailed by researcher Vera Arruda as hopeful, yet signals that prevention remains crucial. Across Brazil, total burned area dropped from 30 million hectares in 2024 to 12.7 million hectares. President Lula’s zero‑deforestation pledge gains traction amid concerns over future El Niño‑driven droughts.
MapBiomas reports a plunge in Amazon deforestation fire area, 3.1 million hectares burned in 2025 versus 15.8 million the previous year.
The trend marks the smallest burned area since the organisation began tracking in 1985, giving a glimmer of hope amid fierce climate extremes.
“The 31% fall compared to the historical average—thanks to the lowest number of fires recorded in 41 years—is positive news, but we cannot yet consider this a trend,” said Vera Arruda, a researcher at IPAM and MapBiomas coordinator.
The data also show a sharp decline across Brazil as a whole: 12.7 million hectares burned in 2025, down from 30 million the year before.
Cooling La Niña conditions helped curb the 2024 fires, while the return of El Niño could raise the risk of a new dry season.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva had pledged “zero deforestation” in 2023, and the lower 2025 figures were seen as a boost to his re‑election campaign in October.
Scientists warn that the Amazon’s role in sequestering carbon remains critical; continued deforestation threatens global climate stability.
For visual context, see the interactive map below.
Image Source: Evaristo Sa / AFP via Getty Images
