1981 in the environment

Last updated January 29, 2026

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

Events

The Protected Natural Areas Programme began in New Zealand.^[1]

January

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]

April

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]

October

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

References

↑ 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.

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[1] 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.

[2] "Executive Order 12287 – Decontrol of Crude Oil and Refined Petroleum Products". 28 January 1981. Retrieved 28 January 2026.

[3] 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

[4] "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.

[5] "Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, 1981 CHAPTER 69". UK Legislation. 30 October 1981. Retrieved 1 November 2025.

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