Biden in the Amazon: A Historic Call to Save the World’s Lungs

Biden in the Amazon, a presidential visit

On November 17, President Biden made history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest, underscoring his administration’s commitment to combating climate change. Accompanied by climate experts, he observed the adverse effects of climate change on the rainforest and plans to meet with local and indigenous leaders.

The Biden administration has pledged $500 million to the Amazon Fund for conservation efforts, with concerns about potential reductions in climate commitments under a possible Trump administration. Brazilian President Lula has also committed to achieving “zero deforestation” in the Amazon by 2030, although challenges remain, including ongoing deforestation and infrastructure projects that could harm the ecosystem. Biden’s visit is part of a broader trip to South America, emphasizing international climate finance and support for environmental initiatives.

Key Concepts

• President Biden made history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest to highlight climate change issues.
• During his visit, Biden observed the negative impacts of climate change on the Amazon, including shallowing waterways and fire damage.
• The Biden administration has pledged $500 million to the Amazon Fund, with $100 million already provided for rainforest conservation.
• Suely Araújo expressed skepticism about the visit’s potential outcomes, particularly with a possible return of Donald Trump to the White House.
• Trump has previously dismissed climate change and is expected to deprioritize environmental initiatives if re-elected.
• Biden’s administration announced new initiatives to strengthen the Amazon and combat climate change, including a financing coalition for restoration projects.
• November 17 is designated as International Day of Conservation, emphasizing U.S. commitments to international climate finance.
• The Amazon rainforest is crucial for biodiversity and regulating humidity in South America but has faced severe drought and ecological impacts.
• Former Brazilian President Bolsonaro’s policies led to a surge in deforestation, while current President Lula aims for “zero deforestation” by 2030.
• Recent data shows a 30.6% decrease in deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon over the past year, but concerns remain about ongoing destruction in 2023.
• Biden’s South America trip includes participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and the Group of 20 leaders’ summit.

On Sunday, November 17, President Joe Biden made history as the first sitting US president to visit the Amazon rainforest. His visit underscores his administration’s commitment to combating climate change, contrasting with the anticipated stance of the incoming Trump administration, which is expected to reduce US efforts in addressing environmental issues.

The Amazon rainforest, spanning an area comparable to the size of Australia, serves as a crucial carbon sink, absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. However, unchecked development and deforestation are rapidly endangering this vital ecosystem. Accompanied by renowned climate scientist and Nobel Prize laureate Carlos Nobre, as well as his climate adviser John Podesta, Biden surveyed the region by helicopter.

From above, he observed the alarming effects of environmental degradation, including drying rivers, fire-scarred landscapes, and diminishing wildlife sanctuaries. A highlight of his aerial tour was witnessing the majestic confluence of the Rio Negro and the Amazon rivers.

As part of his visit, Biden plans to meet with indigenous and local leaders and tour an Amazon museum to reinforce his dedication to preserving this vital region.

Strengthening US Commitment to Amazon Conservation

The Biden administration had previously announced a $500 million pledge to the Amazon Fund, an international initiative primarily supported by Norway that finances rainforest conservation projects. To date, $50 million has been contributed, and Biden marked his visit by pledging an additional $50 million to the fund.

Suely Araújo, former head of Brazil’s environmental protection agency and now a policy coordinator at the nonprofit Climate Observatory, emphasized the significance of Biden’s visit. “It’s a powerful signal of personal commitment,” Araújo said. However, she expressed skepticism about the long-term impact, especially with a potential policy shift under the Trump administration, which has historically deprioritized environmental issues.

Former President Donald Trump has dismissed climate change as a “hoax” and has vowed to roll back Biden-era environmental regulations. Trump has also pledged to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, the global accord designed to combat climate change, reversing Biden’s recommitment to the pact.

New Initiatives to Combat Climate Change

Despite these challenges, Biden’s administration unveiled several new measures to bolster Amazon conservation efforts. These initiatives include forming a financing coalition to raise $10 billion by 2030 for land restoration and sustainable economic development. Additionally, the administration approved a $37.5 million loan to Mombak Gestora de Recursos Ltda., a Brazilian company focused on reforestation efforts in degraded grasslands.

During his visit, Biden plans to sign a proclamation establishing November 17 as International Day of Conservation. He will also highlight the administration’s increased spending on international climate finance, projected to reach $11 billion by 2024—six times the amount spent at the start of his presidency.

The Amazon’s Global Importance

Home to 10% of Earth’s biodiversity, the Amazon rainforest plays a critical role in regulating South America’s humidity. Its destruction poses severe global environmental risks. While roughly two-thirds of the rainforest lies in Brazil, the region has been severely impacted by an unprecedented drought over the past two years. This has dried up waterways, isolated riverside communities, and ignited wildfires that have consumed an area larger than Switzerland, blanketing nearby cities in smoke.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who assumed office last year, has prioritized reversing the environmental policies of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro. Under Bolsonaro, deforestation surged to a 15-year high due to policies favoring agribusiness over conservation. Lula has committed to achieving “zero deforestation” by 2030, though his term ends in 2026. Recent data show a 30.6% drop in deforestation over the past year, marking the lowest levels in nine years. However, experts warn that this data does not account for increased deforestation observed in 2023, which will only be reflected in future reports.

While Lula’s administration has made strides in curbing deforestation, it has faced criticism for backing infrastructure projects that could harm the Amazon, such as highway construction through pristine forest and plans for oil drilling and soybean transport near the Amazon River’s mouth.

A Historic Visit

Biden’s visit to the Amazon is part of a broader six-day tour of South America, his first since taking office. His trip began in Lima, Peru, where he attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. After his stop in Manaus, Biden is set to travel to Rio de Janeiro for the G20 leaders’ summit.

The historic visit highlights the Amazon’s global significance and underscores the urgent need for collective action to protect one of Earth’s most vital ecosystems.