President Joe Biden is set to become the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest, marking a historic moment in his administration’s environmental and diplomatic agenda. The visit will take place on Sunday in the Brazilian city of Manaus, where Biden is expected to underscore the global importance of the rainforest amidst growing concerns over its preservation.
The Amazon, the largest tropical rainforest on Earth, is often referred to as the planet’s lungs due to its vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas driving climate change. However, this vast region, which spans an area roughly equivalent to Australia, is facing unprecedented threats from deforestation, wildfires, and climate-induced droughts.
A Symbolic Visit
Biden’s itinerary includes an aerial tour over parts of the Amazon, meetings with indigenous leaders, and a visit to a local museum dedicated to the rainforest. These engagements aim to highlight his administration’s commitment to tackling climate change and fostering international collaboration to protect this critical ecosystem.
Last year, Biden announced plans to contribute $500 million to the Amazon Fund, a global initiative aimed at preserving the rainforest. This fund, primarily backed by Norway, has been a cornerstone of international efforts to curb deforestation. To date, the U.S. has provided $50 million, with plans to allocate the remaining funds by 2028, pending congressional approval.
“This visit signifies a personal commitment from President Biden to the Amazon’s future,” said Suely Arajo, former head of Brazil’s environmental protection agency and coordinator at the Climate Observatory. “However, while the gesture is significant, it’s unlikely to yield immediate concrete results.”
Challenges Ahead
The timing of Biden’s visit coincides with the transition to the administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed scepticism about climate change and pledged to withdraw from the Paris Agreement once again. Trump’s previous presidency was marked by efforts to roll back environmental protections, raising concerns that U.S. contributions to initiatives like the Amazon Fund may be curtailed.
The Amazon’s critical role extends beyond carbon absorption. It supports 10% of the world’s biodiversity, sustains indigenous communities, and regulates moisture levels across South America. Yet, the forest has faced years of severe drought, leading to isolated communities, diminished fish stocks, and wildfires that have devastated areas larger than Switzerland.
Brazil’s Shifting Policies
Under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Brazil has made significant strides in combating deforestation, reversing the policies of his predecessor, Jair Bolsonaro, who prioritised agribusiness expansion over environmental preservation. Official data shows a 30.6% decrease in deforestation in the 12 months leading up to July, the lowest rate in nearly a decade.
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Despite these gains, challenges remain. Lula’s government has faced criticism for backing infrastructure projects that could harm the rainforest, including a highway cutting through old-growth areas and oil drilling near the Amazon River’s mouth.
Environmentalists warn that these projects could undermine the progress made in reducing deforestation and threaten the delicate balance of the rainforest ecosystem.
Global Implications
Biden’s visit comes amid growing international awareness of the Amazon’s global significance. The rainforest plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change, and its destruction poses catastrophic risks to the planet.
The U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised the importance of peace and sustainability, stating, “We want fair peace for all, including the planet.”
Biden’s stop in Manaus is part of a broader six-day South American tour. He has already participated in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru, and will continue to Rio de Janeiro for this year’s G20 leaders’ summit.
A Historic Gesture
While Biden’s visit to the Amazon rainforest may be symbolic, it highlights the urgent need for global cooperation to address climate change and protect critical ecosystems. As the U.S. transitions to a new administration, the future of international environmental efforts, including those centred on the Amazon, hangs in the balance.
For now, Biden’s historic visit underscores his administration’s recognition of the Amazon’s significance and the broader fight against climate change.
