Colombia's deforestation ticked up in 2025 but still beat Petro's four-year target

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on Associated Press or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Colombia's Environment Ministry and IDEAM reported forest loss of 119,483 hectares in 2025, a 5% rise from 2024, even as illegal land grabbing and cattle ranching continue to pressure the Amazon

🔭 The context: Outgoing President Gustavo Petro had made curbing Amazon deforestation a signature policy goal of his administration, with the government previously reporting sharp reductions from 2021 peak levels

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The Colombian Amazon is a major carbon sink and biodiversity reservoir; even a modest year-on-year uptick in forest loss signals renewed pressure on one of the world's most ecologically critical rainforest regions

⏭️ What's next: The incoming government of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella is set to determine the future direction of Colombia’s forest policy
• His plans to expand oil and mining development could reshape the balance between economic growth and Amazon protection

💬 One stat: 119,483 hectares (about 295,000 acres, roughly the size of Los Angeles) were lost in 2025 — a 5% increase year-over-year, but still 31% below 2021 levels

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