### Biden Urges Successor to Uphold Climate Agenda Amidst Trump's Incoming Policies

President Joe Biden, during his visit to the Amazon rainforest, stressed the importance of continuing his environmental policies as former President Donald Trump prepares to take office again in January. Speaking from the lush surroundings of the Museu da Amazônia, positioned where the Negro and Amazon rivers meet, Biden emphasized that his administration is leaving behind a strong foundation for the next leadership to build upon, even though he refrained from mentioning Trump by name.

Biden, donning a blue collared shirt and his characteristic aviators, highlighted the irreversible momentum of the clean energy revolution in the United States. "Some may seek to deny or delay the clean energy revolution that's underway in America, but nobody—nobody—can reverse it," Biden asserted. He pointed out that the global adoption of clean energy presents significant economic opportunities, depending on which governments choose to harness them.

During his historic trip, Biden signed a proclamation naming November 17 as International Conservation Day and announced additional U.S. funding for the Amazon Fund. However, the release of these funds requires congressional approval, which appears unlikely with the Republican majority. Additionally, Biden reported that the U.S. has met its promise to increase international climate financing to over $11 billion by 2024, a substantial rise from the $1.5 billion allocated when he assumed office.

Biden's visit intended to bolster his climate legacy has faced complications due to Trump's victory. Some Democrats criticize Biden for running for reelection, claiming it led to Trump's win and potentially undermined Biden’s climate initiatives. Trump's return could mean significant policy reversals, such as exiting the Paris Accord, rolling back environmental protections, and boosting oil and gas production. Notably, Trump's team is rumored to be contemplating eliminating the electric vehicle tax credit—a significant element of Biden's climate strategy.

Following his time in the rainforest, Biden will attend the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where climate policy will be a key topic. However, it is uncertain how influential the U.S. will be this year, especially as global leaders at the United Nations climate summit in Azerbaijan are already planning for a future with potentially diminished U.S. leadership in climate action.

Despite these challenges, Biden took pride in recounting his administration's legislative achievements that facilitated a $1 trillion investment in clean energy technologies and production facilities. He declared the battle against climate change a pivotal mission of his presidency, reinforcing this commitment during his visit to the Amazon, where he met with local and Indigenous leaders dedicated to preserving the ecosystem. His tour included a helicopter flyover of the drought-affected Rio Negro, offering a stark view of the environmental challenges at hand.

White House officials have downplayed the impact of Trump's election on Biden's trip, emphasizing the historic nature of his visit and the central role of climate change in his administration’s agenda. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre remarked that Biden remained enthusiastic about the trip, highlighting its unprecedented significance for a sitting U.S. president.

As Biden walked through the vibrant rainforest, surrounded by macaws and towering trees, the visit underscored the critical stakes in the global fight against climate change and the narrowing window in which Biden can influence this cause.