1981 in the environment

This is a list of notable events relating to the environment in 1981. They relate to environmental law, conservation, environmentalism and environmental issues.

Events

Ronald Reagan signed an executive order on 28 January 1981, which enacted Jimmy Carter's reform of oil price supports, immediately,^[2] allowing the free market to adjust oil prices in the United States.^[3]

The Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement treaty came into force. It aims to minimise harm to the major areas used by birds which migrate between the two countries.^[4]

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is passed in the United Kingdom on 30 October 1981.^[5]

^ Dickinson, Katharine; Mark, Alan (May 1988). "New Zealand's Protected Natural Areas Programme: What it has been, what it is and what it could be" (PDF). Forest and Bird. pp. 25–28. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-02-08. Retrieved 1 November 2025.
^ "Executive Order 12287 – Decontrol of Crude Oil and Refined Petroleum Products". 28 January 1981. Retrieved 28 January 2026.
^ Weiner, Edward (1999). Urban Transportation Planning in the United States An Historical Overview. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 112. ISBN 978-0-275-96329-3. Retrieved 7 June 2010. By September 30, 1981, petroleum prices were to be determined by the free market. This process was accelerated by President Reagan through an Executive Order
^ "Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Japan for the Protection of Migratory Birds in Danger of Extinction and their Environment [1981] ATS 6: Australian Treaty Series 1981 No 6 Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement". Australia Legal Institute, Australian Treaty Series. Retrieved 1 November 2025.
^ "Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, 1981 CHAPTER 69". UK Legislation. 30 October 1981. Retrieved 1 November 2025.