This is a list of notable events relating to the environment in 1973. They relate to environmental law, conservation, environmentalism and environmental issues.
Events E. F. Schumacher publishes Small Is Beautiful. Jacques Cousteau founds the Cousteau Society. A number of protected areas were established in 1973, including the Essex Region of Western Ontario, Canada.
March World Conservation Union (IUCN) meeting drafts the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which starts being signed on 3 March 1973.
Summer Several thousand pounds of polybrominated biphenyls were accidentally mixed with livestock feed that was distributed to farms in Michigan, because the plant also produced a feed precursor ingredient, magnesium oxide, which was sold to the feed manufacturer. Adverse reproductive-system effects continued 40 years later to be found in the grandchildren of those who consumed tainted farm products.
August The snail darter controversy delayed the construction of the Tellico Dam on the Little Tennessee River in the United States when the snail darter fish was discovered in the river. An earthquake of 7.1 magnitude strikes Veracruz, Mexico on August 28, causing extensive damage to buildings and the environment, killing at least 600 people.
November The International Agreement on the Conservation of Polar Bears was signed in Oslo, Norway.
December The Endangered Species Act was signed into law in the United States by President Richard Nixon.United States. Endangered Species Act of 1973. Approved 1973-12-27. This mandated the first Habitat Conservation Plans.
See also
Human impact on the environment List of environmental issues List of years in the environment
References