Manaus, November 18, 2024 – The Europe Today: On Sunday, President Joe Biden made history as the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest, emphasizing the urgency of combating global warming. The visit comes amid contrasting climate policies with President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take office in January with plans to roll back key climate initiatives.
Biden traveled from Lima, Peru, to Manaus, the largest city in the Amazon, where he met with local leaders dedicated to preserving the rainforest. His visit underscores the United States’ commitment to addressing climate change and preserving one of the planet’s most critical ecosystems.
During his four-hour stop in Manaus, Biden announced an additional $50 million U.S. contribution to the Amazon Fund, which supports conservation efforts in the rainforest. This brings the total U.S. contribution to $100 million. The Amazon Fund, initially established with funding from Norway and Germany, is a pivotal mechanism for promoting sustainable development and combating deforestation in the region.
Following his visit to Manaus, Biden is set to continue to Rio de Janeiro to attend the Group of 20 (G20) Leaders’ Summit. The summit will address global challenges, including poverty, governance reforms, and climate change, aligning with Biden’s environmental agenda.
The visit highlights the administration’s efforts to reaffirm U.S. leadership on climate action and strengthen partnerships with countries working to protect critical environmental resources.
