The Brazilian presidential election, set for October 4, 2026, is expected to pit Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the current president, against Flávio Bolsonaro, the son of former president Jair Bolsonaro. If Flávio Bolsonaro wins, he may continue his father’s policies, which included promoting deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. During Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency from 2019 to 2023, deforestation rates reached their highest level in fifteen years, peaking in 2021. Flávio Bolsonaro has not shown signs of moving away from his father’s political stance, which has raised concerns among environmentalists about the future of the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest, which spans 4.2 million square kilometers, plays a vital role in regulating the global climate and storing massive amounts of carbon. Scientists warn that continued deforestation could have irreversible consequences for the planet. Despite its environmental importance, the Amazon has not been a central topic in recent Brazilian political debates, which have instead focused on the corruption scandal involving Flávio Bolsonaro. However, the future of the Amazon remains a critical issue for the country. According to Philip Fearnside, an ecologist at Brazil's National Institute for Amazon Research (INPA), the Amazon is crucial in determining whether climate change remains under human control. Deforestation rates in the Amazon increased significantly during Jair Bolsonaro’s presidency. In 2018, before he took office, the annual rate was 7,536 square kilometers, but by 2022, it had risen to 11,594 square kilometers. This surge was linked to land grabbing and illegal mining, supported by pro-development rhetoric. During Jair Bolsonaro’s time in office, environmental agencies were weakened, but since Lula returned to power, these institutions have been strengthened, and deforestation has decreased. Flávio Bolsonaro has expressed skepticism about climate change and proposed legislation that could threaten Brazil’s indigenous vegetation. While he has pledged to eliminate illegal deforestation by 2029, Fearnside suggests that achieving this goal could involve either stopping deforestation entirely or legalizing the ongoing destruction. Lula’s environmental policies have also drawn criticism, particularly due to new oil exploration and road-building projects in the Amazon. Claudio Angelo, from the Brazil Climate Observatory, argues that while a fourth term for Lula might not be perfect for the environment, it is currently the best option for preserving the Amazon and maintaining climate policies. On October 4, 2026, Brazilian voters will decide the future of the Amazon and the country’s environmental direction.