There are reports that the Obama administration, in the wake of the tragic Gulf of Mexico oil spill, intends to suspend new oil drilling in the Arctic.

But what about the Amazon?

Obama is due to meet Peruvian president Alan Garcia in the White House in four days’ time.

Vast areas of the Amazon are being auctioned to oil and gas companies.

Last week, Peru announced it intends to open 10 million hectares of the Amazon to oil and gas companies – in addition to millions more hectares already opened up for exploration and drilling.

Indeed, one of the companies involved is US energy giant ConocoPhillips, which is currently gearing up to explore for oil in a remote Amazon region inhabited by two uncontacted tribes.

These tribes lack immunity to outsiders’ diseases so any form of contact with oil crews could decimate them. Big Oil doesn’t need to spill to kill.

President of Peru Alan García.

Survival is urging Obama to raise these issues with Garcia when they meet on 1 June.

One suggestion, Mr President: if Garcia claims the uncontacted tribes don’t exist, stop your ears!