Biden makes historic visit to Amazon rainforest, declares International Conservation Day

President Biden made a historic visit to the Amazon rainforest Sunday to view the Amazon River and the ongoing effects of climate change.

With his visit Sunday, Biden became the first sitting American president to set foot in the Amazon rainforest.

After an aerial tour to view the ecosystems and deforestation, Biden said he was proud to visit the region.

He signed a U.S. proclamation designating Nov. 17 as International Conservation Day.

With President-elect Trump’s election victory, some are concerned that he will rollback some of the climate change efforts done under the Biden administration.

“It’s no secret that I’m leaving office in January. I will leave my successor and my country a strong foundation to build on if they choose to do so,” Biden said from the Amazon.

Last year, the Biden administration designated $500 million for the Amazon Fund, making it the most significant international effort to preserve the rainforest. So far, the U.S. has provided $50 million to the fund and Biden said Sunday the U.S. will provide $50 million more.

A senior Biden administration official said Sunday that it will be up to Trump if he wants to continue their efforts on the front.

“Maybe he’ll come down here and see the forest and see the damage being done from drought and other things and change his mind about climate change,” the official said.