President Joe Biden’s historic visit to the Amazon Rainforest underscored his commitment to combating climate change. However, Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 election has cast doubt over the durability of Biden’s climate policies.
A Historic Amazon Visit
On Sunday, Biden became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon, a region critical to the global fight against climate change. Speaking from the Museu da Amazônia in Brazil, he highlighted his administration’s achievements, including:
- $1 trillion for clean energy technologies and infrastructure under sweeping legislation.
- A six-fold increase in international climate financing, reaching $11 billion annually by 2024.
- Proposals to further support the Amazon Fund, contingent on congressional approval.
Biden also signed a proclamation designating November 17 as International Conservation Day and met with Indigenous leaders working to preserve the rainforest.
Despite these milestones, Biden’s message was tempered by the reality of Trump’s incoming administration, which threatens to unravel many of his climate initiatives.
Trump’s Contrasting Climate Agenda
Trump has made clear his intent to reverse Biden’s environmental policies, calling climate change a “hoax” and emphasizing fossil fuel production. Key actions expected include:
- Withdrawal from the Paris Accord.
- Elimination of federal environmental protections targeting air and water pollution.
- Abolition of electric vehicle tax credits and support for renewable energy projects.
Trump’s Cabinet picks reflect his priorities. Chris Wright, tapped to lead the Energy Department, has dismissed the link between climate change and extreme weather, signaling a sharp policy pivot.
Biden’s Legacy in the Balance
While Biden expressed hope that his “clean energy revolution” would be too entrenched to dismantle, the fragile nature of his policies is evident. Republican control of Congress limits Biden’s ability to secure new climate funding before his departure.
Within his party, some Democrats blame Biden for Trump’s victory, arguing he waited too long to exit the race. They see Trump’s win as a turning point that could define Biden’s presidency, particularly on climate issues.
Global Implications
Biden’s visit to the Amazon coincided with crucial international climate events, including:
- The United Nations climate summit in Azerbaijan, where leaders discussed pathways to climate goals without U.S. leadership.
- The upcoming G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where Biden hopes to champion global cooperation despite diminishing influence.
Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden’s press secretary, downplayed Trump’s shadow over the trip, calling it a “historic” moment in the fight against climate change.
A Shrinking Role in a Global Fight
Biden described climate change as a “defining cause” of his presidency, emphasizing that “nobody can reverse” the progress made. Yet, as he toured the lush yet imperiled Amazon, the macaws’ squawking overhead symbolized the urgent stakes of the global climate crisis—and the shrinking role the U.S. may play under a Trump administration.
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