Deforestation of the Amazon rainforest in Brazil rose by 43% in April compared to the same month last year, government data has shown.
A total of 1,157 sq km (446 sq miles) of rainforest were destroyed in the first four months of 2021. This was down 4% from a year earlier.
The Amazon is a vital carbon store that slows down the pace of global warming.
Scientists say the loss of forest has accelerated since Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro took office in 2019.
The president has encouraged agricultural and mining activities in the world's largest rainforest, and rolled back environmental legislation.
