Reduce Overfishing
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Provided by: Project Drawdown|Published on: January 7, 2026
Articles/WebsitesScientist Reviewed
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Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- In this brief article from Project Drawdown, students will learn about the potential emissions reductions that can be achieved by reducing overfishing.
- Students will also learn about the additional benefits of reducing overfishing and some of the obstacles that make this solution more challenging to implement.
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Project Drawdown
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- The handy chart at the beginning of the article summarizes the main points and demonstrates why Project Drawdown considers this solution worthwhile.
- This article is concise, making the content accessible for many students.
Prerequisites
- Students should understand climate change and the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Teachers can pair this article with this game to demonstrate the impacts of overfishing and the concept of the tragedy of the commons.
- Teachers can use this resource to show how solutions to one problem, like climate change, can have secondary effects on other issues, like biodiversity loss. Another way to illustrate this is by pointing out the connection to multiple Sustainable Development Goals, such as SDG 13, Climate Action, and SDG 14, Life Below Water.
- For more information on the non-emissions impacts of overfishing and other unsustainable fishing practices, students can check out this podcast episode.
This resource analyzes reducing overfishing as a means to reduce CO2 emissions. The resource is well-cited, with numerous peer-reviewed articles referenced, and a thorough methodology is linked. A searchable glossary is also provided. This resource shines in making the case for why reducing overfishing is worthwhile despite its limited utility in reducing CO2 emissions and is recommended for teaching.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Project Drawdown
Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “drawdown”—the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown as they look to advance effective climate action. Project Drawdown resources for educators include the database of Drawdown Solutions, educational video series Climate Solutions 101, the Drawdown Stories initiative, and more.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
