George H.W. Bush

Stories

Global HIV infections and AIDS deaths fall to three-decade lows

As of August 2026: PEPFAR continues under later administrations

In 1995, HIV infected about 3 million people in a single year. In 2022 that number fell to 1.3 million, the fewest since the late 1980s.

Updated Aug 5

US becomes first nation to quit foundational climate treaty

Rule Changes

As of May 2026: Signed and secured ratification of UNFCCC in 1992

On January 7, 2026, Trump signed a memorandum directing US withdrawal from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change—the 1992 treaty George H.W. Bush signed and the Senate unanimously ratified. The US is the first of 198 parties to exit. The UNFCCC underpins all international climate negotiations (unlike the Paris Agreement, which Trump also exited), and withdrawal takes effect one year from notification.

Updated May 19

Notable Quotes

Seldom has history offered a greater opportunity to do so much for so many.

from Global HIV infections and AIDS deaths fall to three-decade lows · Updated Aug 5

"We must leave this Earth in better condition than we found it. Today this old truth must be applied to new threats facing the resources which sustain us all."—At Rio Earth Summit, 1992

from US becomes first nation to quit foundational climate treaty · Updated May 19

"As important as the road to Rio has been, what matters more is the road from Rio."—1992

from US becomes first nation to quit foundational climate treaty · Updated May 19