Since taking office in January 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden has made climate change a central focus of his administration’s foreign policy. Among the many environmental issues that require urgent attention, the preservation of the Amazon Rainforest stands out.
The Amazon, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is vital to global climate regulation, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of people. Biden’s approach to the Amazon reflects a renewed commitment to environmental protection, international collaboration, and a focus on indigenous rights and deforestation prevention.
Biden’s Environmental Vision and the Amazon
From the start, Biden made clear his intent to address the climate crisis as one of his top priorities. Under his leadership, the U.S. has rejoined the Paris Agreement and taken a more active role in international efforts to combat climate change.
This includes recognizing the importance of protecting critical ecosystems like the Amazon, which spans across nine countries in South America, with Brazil holding the largest share.
The Amazon is home to over 10% of the world’s known species and plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth’s climate. However, rapid deforestation, often driven by illegal logging, agriculture, and mining, threatens to push the Amazon past a tipping point, after which it could no longer function as a carbon sink, exacerbating global warming.
Biden’s Efforts to Support Amazon Protection
- Strengthening U.S.-Brazil Relations: Biden’s approach to the Amazon has been largely shaped by the diplomatic relationship with Brazil, the nation most affected by deforestation. Under former President Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil saw an alarming rise in environmental degradation. However, since Biden took office, there has been a shift in tone, with the U.S. committing to support the protection of the Amazon through both diplomatic and financial channels.
- Pledges for Financial Support: The Biden administration has pledged to assist Brazil and other Amazon countries in their efforts to combat deforestation. In 2021, Biden announced that the U.S. would contribute to a global effort to protect the Amazon, including financial support for environmental programs. This includes backing initiatives to support indigenous communities, who play a key role in Amazon conservation, as well as funding programs that aim to curb deforestation.
- International Cooperation: The Biden administration has prioritized working with other countries to protect the Amazon, including through initiatives like the Amazon Conservation Fund and partnerships with organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank. This multilateral approach aims to build international momentum for protecting the rainforest while ensuring that Brazil and other Amazon nations have the resources needed to curb deforestation and promote sustainable development.
- Incentivizing Private Sector Action: Beyond government-to-government diplomacy, Biden’s administration has encouraged private companies, particularly those involved in supply chains linked to deforestation, to take more responsibility. For example, companies involved in producing soy, beef, and palm oil — key drivers of Amazon deforestation — are increasingly being pressured to adopt sustainable practices and support zero-deforestation supply chains.
Challenges and Criticism
Despite these efforts, Biden faces significant challenges in advancing meaningful progress. One of the key hurdles is the political and economic climate in Brazil, where the current government, led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has expressed a commitment to fighting deforestation but faces strong domestic opposition from powerful agribusiness and mining sectors.
Moreover, enforcement of environmental regulations in Brazil has been inconsistent, and global efforts to curb deforestation are often undermined by illegal activities.
Another challenge lies in balancing the needs of development with environmental protection. Countries like Brazil argue that they need to develop their economies to lift people out of poverty, and deforestation has often been viewed as a way to clear land for agriculture and industry.
The U.S. has to tread carefully in advocating for stronger environmental protections without disregarding the development needs of the region.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Biden’s approach to the Amazon will likely continue to evolve as both domestic and global environmental agendas change.
The Biden administration has emphasized the importance of sustainable development and climate justice, both of which are essential for addressing the challenges faced by the Amazon and its inhabitants.
The U.S. is not only supporting initiatives to reduce deforestation but also promoting the creation of green jobs and alternative economic opportunities that do not rely on the destruction of the rainforest.
The U.S. also continues to support the rights of indigenous peoples, who are on the frontlines of conservation efforts in the Amazon. Biden’s administration has voiced strong support for empowering these communities, recognizing their invaluable role in preserving the rainforest.
Joe Biden’s approach to the Amazon is part of a broader strategy to tackle climate change and promote environmental justice globally.
While significant challenges remain, including political pressures and economic interests in Amazonian countries, the Biden administration’s renewed focus on protecting the Amazon highlights the importance of international collaboration and long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
As the world continues to confront the climate crisis, the fate of the Amazon will remain a critical test of global willpower. The U.S. has positioned itself as a key partner in preserving this vital ecosystem — but its success will depend not only on political will in Washington but also on global solidarity and action.
