Brazil's Amazon posts sharpest decline in burned area since 1985
The area burned in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, fell to its lowest level in 2025 since MapBiomas records began in 1985. The decline coincides with intensified Brazilian efforts to combat wildfires and curb deforestation across the region. Researchers describe the figures as a significant indicator for regional governance and climate policy.
New data from MapBiomas show that the total area burned in the Amazon rainforest in 2025 dropped to its lowest level since the monitoring group began keeping records in 1985. Researchers describe the decline as a marked slowdown in both the frequency and severity of fires across the region.
Experts link the improvement to expanded forest monitoring, faster emergency response teams and stronger enforcement against illegal land clearing by the Brazilian government. Favorable rainfall patterns are also cited as a factor that helped limit fire risk this year.
Environmental groups say the coming dry seasons will be decisive in showing whether the improvement holds. Officials stress that sustained deforestation controls and closer coordination with neighboring countries remain essential to keep the downward trend going.
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