President Joe Biden is set to make history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest during a brief stop in Manaus, Brazil. The Amazon rainforest, roughly the size of Australia, plays a crucial role in storing carbon dioxide and combating climate change, despite facing rapid deforestation.
During his visit, Biden is expected to take an aerial tour of the rainforest, meet with local and indigenous leaders, and visit an Amazonian museum to underscore his commitment to preserving the region. The Biden administration had previously announced a $500 million contribution to the Amazon Fund, a significant international effort aimed at rainforest preservation, with $50 million already provided by the U.S. government.
However, doubts linger regarding the future funding for the Amazon Fund, especially with the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed skepticism towards climate change initiatives and plans to withdraw from the Paris agreement.
The Amazon rainforest, home to diverse indigenous communities and a vast array of biodiversity, faces ongoing threats from deforestation and wildfires. Efforts to curb deforestation have shown some success, with a recent 30.6% decrease in forest loss in Brazil's Amazon region, though challenges remain.
Biden's visit to the Amazon is part of a larger six-day trip to South America, which includes participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima, Peru, and attendance at the Group of 20 leaders summit in Rio de Janeiro. The visit underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing environmental challenges and preserving vital ecosystems like the Amazon rainforest.
