Will I Die Before Fish Go Extinct?

The convenience of disasters feeling distant—whether geographically or in time—has long been a way to dodge engagement. Society always seems preoccupied with "more pressing" matters, and as individuals, it’s easy to ignore what doesn’t immediately impact our daily lives. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: humans are notoriously bad at grasping the long-term consequences of our actions.

When I teach at universities and design schools, I pose this challenge: designing for the end of fish. Yes, the end of fish. What would this mean for local communities? For cultural traditions tied to seafood? For global ecosystems? It’s a jarring exercise that brings the idea of extinction into stark, personal focus. Because extinction isn’t some abstract event—it’s happening within our lifetimes. For many product designers and creators it is far easier to think of the leavers they can control– sourcing, materials, efficiency, certification. Than trying to understand how or when will their product end and how they might design for that.

Here’s a more personal way to think about it: What will you outlive?

Will you outlive your parents? Probably. Will you outlive the global average lifespan (72 years)? Hopefully. I’m 52 now, aiming for at least another 20 years. But here’s the sobering thought: Will I outlive fish? The World Counts projects global fish stocks could collapse by 2048—just 24 years away. That’s within reach of many of us.

This isn’t just about fish. The World Wildlife Fund’s "Extinction Days" calendar tracks species teetering on the brink—like the Akikiki bird, the Cuban crocodile, or the red wolf. It’s a grim but valuable tool for perspective.

Why does this matter?

Because we’re wired to care about what impacts us now. The long-term—whether it’s climate change, overfishing, or extinction—requires more effort to prioritize amidst our day-to-day chaos. As David Attenborough observed, even our democratic systems, with their short election cycles, aren’t built for tackling long-term challenges like these.

So, here’s an exercise for you: check your death date.

What will you outlive? Will fish still swim in the oceans after you're gone? Or will they vanish before you do? Let this perspective shift guide how you act today—for yourself, for the planet, and for the generations to come.