Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon falls for second month, remains high

A cow is seen in a deforested pasture in Brazil's Amazon rainforest near the Transamazonica national highway in Humaita, Amazonas state, Brazil, September 8, 2021. REUTERS/Bruno Kelly

BRASILIA (Reuters) - Deforestation in Brazil's Amazon rainforest fell for the second consecutive month in August, compared to a year ago, according to preliminary government data published on Friday, with year-to-date figures for 2021 also showing a slight decline.

Forest clearances in August totaled 918 square kilometers (354 square miles), down 32% from the same month a year ago, data from the national space research agency Inpe showed.