2024-11-16 21:39:00
Joe Biden will be the first sitting US president to visit the Brazilian Amazon. The 81-year-old is expected on Sunday in Manaus on the banks of the Rio Negro in northwestern Brazil. There he wants to talk to those responsible for preserving the rainforest.
Biden is committed to fighting climate change, but he only has a few weeks left in office. His designated successor Donald Trump wants to increase oil production and turned away from the Paris climate agreement in his first term in office.
The Amazon region is home to the largest tropical rainforest in the world. Large parts of the unique biosystem have already been destroyed through deforestation and slash-and-burn agriculture. Because the rainforest in the Amazon region can bind immense amounts of the greenhouse gas CO2, it is also of great importance for the global climate.
After his stop in Manaus, Biden travels to the Brazilian coastal metropolis of Rio de Janeiro. The heads of state and government of leading economic powers from all continents come together there for their annual G20 summit. Biden had previously attended a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Peru’s capital Lima.
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What are the potential long-term effects of Biden’s visit to the Amazon on international climate agreements?
**Interview with Climate Expert Dr. Maria Santos**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Santos. Joe Biden’s upcoming visit to the Amazon is historic as he will be the first sitting US president to travel there. What do you believe this visit signifies in terms of US-Brazil relations and global climate efforts?
**Dr. Santos:** This visit is a crucial step in demonstrating the US commitment to international climate collaboration. It highlights the importance of the Amazon not just to Brazil, but to the entire planet. By engaging directly with Brazilian leaders, Biden can bolster efforts to preserve this vital ecosystem, especially considering the threats of deforestation and climate change.
**Editor:** Biden has a limited time left in office, and with his successor, Donald Trump, keen on boosting oil production and stepping back from climate agreements, what impact do you think this visit will have on Biden’s legacy?
**Dr. Santos:** Biden’s legacy hinges significantly on climate action. His visit to the Amazon serves both as a symbolic gesture of commitment and possibly a way to put pressure on future administrations to uphold international climate agreements. It’s a reminder of the urgency in addressing climate change, especially when his successor may not share the same priorities.
**Editor:** After Manaus, Biden will attend the G20 summit in Rio. With discussions likely centered around economic growth and environmental protection, do you think there will be a genuine push for sustainable development, or will economic interests overshadow climate initiatives?
**Dr. Santos:** That’s a pivotal question. The G20 has a history of balancing economic growth with climate goals, but it often leans towards immediate economic interests. The challenge will be whether leaders prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains. This balance is critical, especially for emerging markets where economic growth can sometimes come at the expense of environmental health.
**Editor:** Dr. Santos, what do you think the general public needs to consider about Biden’s visit and its implications for future climate policies?
**Dr. Santos:** It’s essential for the public to recognize the interconnectedness of climate issues across borders. Biden’s visit can be a rallying point for discussions about the Amazon’s role in global climate health. Public discourse needs to engage with how political decisions, both local and international, affect environmental outcomes. This is not just a Brazilian issue—it’s a global challenge. How do readers feel about Biden’s approach to climate change in the context of potential shifts in US leadership? Will this visit impact their views on the importance of preserving the Amazon?
