Manaus, Brazil — On Sunday, President Joe Biden will make history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest. The visit underscores his administration’s commitment to addressing global warming, a stance starkly contrasting with that of incoming President Donald Trump, who plans to dismantle key climate initiatives when he takes office in January.
Biden is traveling from Lima, Peru, to Manaus, Brazil, where he will meet with local leaders and environmental advocates working to preserve the Amazon. The visit highlights the region’s crucial role in combating climate change, as its vast rainforest absorbs significant amounts of carbon dioxide. From Manaus, Biden will head to Rio de Janeiro to participate in a Group of 20 (G20) summit focusing on global challenges such as poverty, hunger, and climate change.
The Amazon’s Role in Climate Fight
Scientists emphasize that protecting the Amazon is vital for global climate efforts. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged to end deforestation in the country’s rainforest by 2030. He has also called on wealthy nations to support the Amazon Fund, which finances conservation efforts.
Last year, Biden committed to requesting $500 million from Congress to support the fund. However, by mid-2024, the U.S. had contributed only 10% of that amount, sparking criticism from environmental groups.
Climate Policy Shift Under Trump
As Biden underscores the urgency of climate action, Trump has signaled a sharp policy reversal. He has dismissed climate change as a “hoax” and plans to roll back Biden’s climate legislation, including key measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Trump’s priorities include expanding U.S. oil and natural gas production and scrapping regulations to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles.
Biden’s Amazon visit and participation in the G20 summit come as global leaders face mounting pressure to take bold action against climate change, even as political shifts threaten to undermine progress.
