Tatiana Cesso
In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden became the first sitting American president to set foot in the Brazil’s Amazon rainforest during a brief but impactful visit on Sunday (18). The trip marked a significant moment in global environmental diplomacy, emphasizing the urgency of protecting one of the world’s most vital ecosystems.
The Amazon, often referred to as the “lungs of the world,” plays a critical role in storing carbon dioxide and supporting biodiversity, hosting 10% of the planet’s species. However, it faces increasing threats from deforestation, development, and the effects of climate change, including a historic drought that has isolated communities, dried waterways, and fueled wildfires.
Biden’s remarks captured the symbolic and practical significance of his visit. “The Amazon might be the lungs of the world,” he stated, “but in my view, our forests and natural wonders are the heart and soul of the world. They unite us. They inspire us to make us proud of our countries and our heritage.”
Commitment to Conservation and Climate Action
The visit comes as Biden nears the end of a presidency defined by ambitious climate policies. Under his leadership, the United States has increased international climate financing sixfold, with plans to reach $11 billion in 2024. During his remarks, Biden highlighted the importance of global collaboration, noting, “The fight to protect our planet is literally a fight for humanity.”
During his time in Brazil, Biden reaffirmed the United States’ support for the Amazon Fund, a major international effort to protect the rainforest. An additional $50 million contribution was announced, doubling the U.S. commitment to date. Biden also underscored initiatives such as a $37.5 million loan to restore degraded grasslands in Brazil and a $10 billion finance coalition to fund eco-friendly projects by 2030.
Despite these efforts, Biden acknowledged the challenges ahead, particularly as political priorities may shift. “Some may seek to deny or delay the clean energy revolution that’s underway in America,” he said. “But nobody — nobody — can reverse it. Nobody.”
Witnessing the Amazon’s Beauty and Challenges
Biden’s visit included a helicopter tour over regions ravaged by drought, fire damage, and illegal logging. He also visited a wildlife refuge, met with indigenous leaders, and joined Nobel laureate Dr. Carlos Nobre, an expert on the Amazon’s vulnerability to climate change. The president participated in a welcoming ceremony at an Amazonian museum, where indigenous women greeted him with maracas, and he declared November 17 as International Conservation Day.
The trip served as a poignant reminder of the Amazon’s global importance and the need for immediate action. “I will leave my successor and my country the strong foundation to build on, if they choose to do so,” Biden emphasized. “The question now is, which government will stand in the way and which will seize the enormous economic opportunity?”
A Call to Action
As Biden’s visit to the Amazon aligns with global climate discussions and Brazil’s recent environmental progress under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, it underscores a collective responsibility to safeguard this irreplaceable region. The Amazon’s future remains uncertain, but Biden’s historic journey highlights the potential for unity and hope in addressing one of humanity’s greatest challenges.
Source: PBS
