Brazil's Bold Bid to Bounce Back

A stream in the Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador. © Dr. Morley Read/Shutterstock.com

The Amazon Rainforest, the largest rainforest in the world, is considered “the lungs of the earth” because of the large amount of oxygen it produces. With over 60% of the rainforest being located in Brazil, the Portuguese-speaking nation holds immense responsibility over its ability to function. However, in May of 2025, there was a 92% increase in deforestation compared to May of last year, producing a loss of forested area of nearly 1000 square kilometers, recording the second largest loss of forest since 2016. 

However, this all-time high in deforestation was not accredited to the actions taken in May of this year. Instead, according to the Executive Secretary of Brazil’s Ministry of Environment, the large amount of deforestation recorded this past May was because of the forest fires which sparked the destruction of the ground layer of the rainforest, which does not result in immediate visible damage. Intern the effects of these forest fires were not recorded until this year due to Brazil deaming an area deforested when at least 70% of the original vegetation is gone creating the large contrast between deforestation in May of last year and May of 2025.

Photo: iStock / luoman

While there has been no recent action by the government to combat deforestation through forest fires, on June 6th the National Public Security Force's Environmental Operations Company was created to ensure the protection of the Amazon from direct human deforestation. Also Brazil’s Interministerial Committee on Climate Change was reestablished in order to oversee government measures and public policies to further prevent the Amazon Rainforest from more harm.