President Joe Biden made history by becoming the first sitting American president to visit the Amazon rainforest. During his visit, he emphasized the importance of combating climate change and protecting the environment. Biden described the fight against climate change as a defining part of his presidency and warned against undoing the progress made in curbing carbon emissions.
During an aerial tour of the Amazon, Biden witnessed the effects of a years-long drought, including dried-up river beds and wildfire damage. He announced plans to allocate tens of millions of US dollars towards preserving the Amazon and pledged billions to help nations enhance their resilience against climate change.
However, the fate of these initiatives now rests largely in the hands of President-elect Trump, who has expressed skepticism towards climate change and has vowed to reverse Biden's policies on oil and gas exploration. Trump's nomination of a fracking industry executive as energy secretary further underscores his stance on environmental issues.
Despite Biden's efforts to bolster environmental protection and international cooperation, there is uncertainty among world leaders regarding the longevity of these initiatives beyond January. The Amazon rainforest, with its crucial role in absorbing carbon dioxide and preserving biodiversity, remains a focal point in the global fight against climate change.
