1971 in the environment

This is a list of notable events relating to the environment in 1971. They relate to environmental law, conservation, environmentalism and environmental issues.

Events

• The Man and the Biosphere Programme was established by UNESCO to promote interdisciplinary approaches to management, research and education in ecosystem conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

January

• The 1971 San Francisco Bay oil spill occurred when two Standard Oil tankers, the Arizona Standard and the Oregon Standard, collided in the San Francisco Bay, resulting in a 800,000 US gallons (3,000,000 l) spill. It led to the formation of a number of environmental organisations.

February

• The SS Wafra oil spill occurred when the ship experienced engine trouble and subsequently ran around near Cape Agulhas, South Africa, spilling 200,000 barrels of crude oil.

July

• In the United States the Oregon Bottle Bill (HB 1036) is signed into law. It is the first such legislation to pass in the US

September

• The Marine Reserves Act 1971 was passed into law in New Zealand.

See also

• Human impact on the environment
• List of environmental issues