MANAUS, Brazil (AP) — On Sunday, President Joe Biden made history by becoming the first sitting American president to visit the Amazon rainforest, a vital ecological treasure, currently suffering from severe drought and shrinking waterways along the Amazon River’s most significant tributary. This visit comes at a time when the incoming Trump administration appears ready to retract the U.S. commitment to fighting climate change, raising concerns among environmental advocates.
Watch Biden’s remarks in the player above.
The expansive Amazon region, roughly comparable in size to Australia, plays a critical role in storing vast quantities of the world’s carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that, when released into the atmosphere, accelerates climate change. Rapid development and deforestation are threatening the survival of this crucial tropical rainforest, leading to dangerously low water levels in its rivers.
During an aerial tour of the Amazon in a helicopter, Biden witnessed the stark realities of climate damage, noting extensive erosion, ships stranded in the tributary of the Negro River, and scars left by wildfires. His flight also offered views of a wildlife refuge and the confluence of the Negro River with the mighty Amazon River. Accompanying him on this poignant journey was Carlos Nobre, a distinguished Nobel Prize-winning scientist renowned for his research on the impacts of climate change on the Amazon.
Biden met with indigenous leaders, warmly introducing them to his daughter and granddaughter, reinforcing his administration’s focus on preserving the Amazon region. A ceremonial display saw three indigenous women warmly shaking maracas to welcome Biden as part of the traditional rituals.
“I’m proud to become the first sitting president to visit the Amazon,” Biden expressed, emphasizing his administration’s environmental agenda, before signing a proclamation that declares November 17 as International Conservation Day.
President Joe Biden looks on after signing a proclamation designating Nov. 17 as “International Conservation Day,” during his tour at the Museu da Amazonia in Manaus, Brazil, Nov. 17, 2024. Photo by Leah Millis/Reuters
In a notable commitment to Amazon conservation, his administration unveiled plans last year for a substantial $500 million contribution to the Amazon Fund, deemed the most significant international partnership aimed at preserving the rainforest and greatly funded by Norway.
As of now, the U.S. government has contributed $50 million, and on Sunday, the White House announced an additional $50 million funding boost to this critical initiative.
“It’s significant for a sitting president to visit the Amazon. … This shows a personal commitment from the president,” remarked Suely Araújo, a former leader of Brazil’s environmental protection agency, now engaged with the nonprofit Climate Observatory. “That said, we can’t expect concrete results from this visit.” She expressed skepticism that any new funding would be allocated to the Amazon Fund if Donald Trump returns to the White House.
Trump has previously labeled climate change as a “hoax” and indicated plans to dismantle energy efficiency regulations implemented by Biden’s administration.
Nevertheless, the Biden White House took definitive steps on Sunday, revealing a suite of initiatives crafted to support the Amazon and mitigate the broader ramifications of climate change.
Among the proposed measures is the establishment of a financial coalition aimed at generating at least $10 billion in investments—both public and private—for land restoration and sustainable economic initiatives by the year 2030. This effort also includes a $37.5 million loan to an organization focused on large-scale planting of native tree species across Brazil’s degraded grasslands.
Biden plans to underscore that the U.S. is on course to allocate $11 billion towards international climate financing in 2024, a sixfold increase from the beginning of his presidency.
The Amazon rainforest is not only a home to numerous Indigenous communities but also houses an impressive 10% of Earth’s biodiversity, while playing a pivotal role in regulating moisture throughout South America. Approximately two-thirds of the Amazon is located within Brazil, and experts warn that its deterioration represents a catastrophic risk to global ecology.
Over the past two years, the forest has endured historic droughts that have diminished vital waterways, isolating thousands of river communities and jeopardizing their fishing livelihoods. This environmental crisis has also contributed to wildfires, scorching an area larger than Switzerland and releasing toxic smoke that has blanketed cities both near and far.
When Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva assumed office last year, he pledged to rectify the environmental policies that characterized the administration of his predecessor, far-right Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro’s tenure favored agribusiness expansion at the expense of environmental protections, resulting in deforestation levels reaching a 15-year pinnacle.
Lula has articulated a robust plan for “zero deforestation” by 2030, even as his term extends only through the end of 2026. According to recently released official data, forest loss in Brazil’s Amazon has decreased by 30.6% in the 12 months leading up to July compared to the prior year, marking the lowest levels of deforestation in nine years. Yet, this figure does not account for the increase in destruction observed throughout 2024, which will only be reflected in future assessments.
Despite these advances against Amazon deforestation, Lula’s administration faces backlash from environmentalists for endorsing initiatives that carry potential hazards for the rainforest, including the construction of highways through ancient growth areas that may facilitate logging, proposals for oil drilling near the Amazon River’s mouth, and plans for new railways designed to transport soy to Amazonian ports.
While Biden is the first sitting president to make the trip to the Amazon, former President Theodore Roosevelt ventured to the region after his 1912 electoral defeat with assistance from the American Museum of Natural History. Accompanied by his son and a group of naturalists, Roosevelt covered 15,000 miles, however, his expedition was marred by illness and serious injury after a boating accident.
Biden’s visit to the Amazon is part of a larger six-day tour of South America—the first of his presidency. Following his engagements in Manaus, he plans to continue on to Rio de Janeiro for this year’s Group of 20 leaders summit.
Sa Pessoa reported from Sao Paulo, and Long from Washington.
What are the implications of President Biden’s Amazon visit for U.S.-Brazil relations regarding environmental policies?
**Interview with Suely Araújo: Insights on President Biden’s Historic Amazon Visit**
**Editor:** We’re joined today by Suely Araújo, former head of Brazil’s environmental protection agency and current member of the nonprofit Climate Observatory. Suely, thank you for being here.
**Suely Araújo:** Thank you for having me.
**Editor:** President Biden recently became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest. Why is this visit significant, especially given the current climate crisis?
**Suely Araújo:** This visit is historic and sends a powerful message about the importance of the Amazon not just to Brazil, but to global ecology. The Amazon rainforest plays a critical role in carbon storage and is home to unique biodiversity, making it vital for climate regulation. By visiting, Biden demonstrates the U.S. commitment to addressing these issues, especially at a time when his successor might retrace those steps.
**Editor:** During his visit, Biden met with indigenous leaders and participated in ceremonial rituals. How does this engagement affect the prospects for environmental policy in the region?
**Suely Araújo:** Engaging with indigenous communities is essential. They are the stewards of the forest and have invaluable knowledge about sustainable practices. By including them in discussions, Biden’s administration acknowledges their rights and the role they play in conservation. However, there is still skepticism about whether these symbolic gestures will lead to tangible policy changes or increased funding.
**Editor:** Biden’s administration announced a new $50 million boost to the Amazon Fund during this trip. How does this funding impact conservation efforts?
**Suely Araújo:** The additional funding is a positive step and reflects a commitment to forest preservation. However, the effectiveness of this initiative hinges on political stability and continuous support from the U.S. If the incoming Trump administration retracts that support, it may undermine these efforts. Consistent backing is crucial for long-term impact.
**Editor:** Critics warn about the potential rollback of climate change policies if Trump returns to office. What are your thoughts on this?
**Suely Araújo:** There’s a real concern among environmental advocates. Trump has dismissed the importance of climate action, viewing it as a barrier to economic growth. If he reclaims the presidency, we could see a significant decline in international climate commitments, which would jeopardize projects like the Amazon Fund and worsen the ecological crisis.
**Editor:** What are the critical steps needed moving forward to protect the Amazon?
**Suely Araújo:** We need a multi-faceted approach: increased funding for conservation, robust legal protections for indigenous rights, and international cooperation to address illegal deforestation and climate change. Additionally, fostering sustainable development that respects local communities and ecosystems is essential for preserving the Amazon’s integrity.
**Editor:** Thank you, Suely, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that while President Biden’s visit marks a hopeful moment for Amazon conservation, ongoing commitment and action are crucial for preserving this vital ecosystem.
**Suely Araújo:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues.
