Biden Becomes First Sitting U.S. Leader to Visit Amazon Rainforest

Manaus, The Gulf Observer: U.S. President Joe Biden made history on Sunday as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to combating global warming and preserving critical ecosystems.

Biden traveled from Lima, Peru, to Manaus, the Amazon’s largest city, where he met with local leaders engaged in conservation efforts. His visit underscores the United States’ dedication to addressing climate change, contrasting sharply with the climate policy stance of President-elect Donald Trump, who has announced plans to roll back key environmental initiatives upon taking office in January.

During his four-hour visit, Biden announced an additional $50 million U.S. contribution to the Amazon Fund, doubling the nation’s total commitment to $100 million. The Amazon Fund, originally financed by Norway and Germany, is a vital initiative supporting sustainable development and anti-deforestation projects in the region.

“The Amazon rainforest is not just a regional treasure—it is critical to the health of our planet. The United States stands ready to partner with those working to protect it,” Biden stated during the visit.

Following his stop in Manaus, Biden will proceed to Rio de Janeiro to participate in the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit, which will tackle pressing global issues such as poverty alleviation, governance reforms, and climate change—key pillars of Biden’s environmental and economic agenda.

The visit highlights the administration’s efforts to reaffirm U.S. leadership on climate action and strengthen international partnerships to safeguard the planet’s most vital ecosystems.