President Joe Biden, speaking from the Amazon rainforest, reaffirmed his commitment to clean energy and climate action, even as the incoming administration plans to reverse key initiatives.
Gabriela Sá Pessoa, Aamer Madhani and Colleen Long report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Biden visited the Amazon, becoming the first U.S. president to visit the world's largest tropical forest.
- After witnessing the impacts of deforestation and drought firsthand, he reiterated his administration’s focus on combating climate change and promoting clean energy.
- His administration has committed billions to international climate financing and Amazon preservation efforts, including a $500 million contribution to the Amazon Fund.
- Biden’s visit comes as the incoming Trump administration pledges to dismantle many climate policies, including rejoining the Paris agreement.
Key quote:
“The fight to protect our planet is literally a fight for humanity.”
— U.S. President Joe Biden.
Why this matters:
The Amazon is critical to regulating the Earth’s climate, housing vast biodiversity and supporting Indigenous communities. Efforts to curb deforestation and promote sustainable development are urgent, especially amid threats of policy reversals and worsening environmental conditions.
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