Final answer:
To address coral bleaching, society and individuals can promote sustainable fishing, reduce carbon emissions, and support marine conservation efforts. All of these steps are essential in combating this environmental issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
Coral bleaching is a severe environmental issue threatening the vitality of coral reefs. Rapid increases in ocean water temperature due to climate change, and ocean acidity from higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, cause corals to expel their symbiotic algae, leading to bleaching. This environmental stress leads to a loss of the vibrant colors of coral reefs and, if prolonged, the death of the coral itself.
Society and individuals can take several actions to help alleviate this problem, including:
- Promote sustainable fishing practices to ensure food webs and predator-prey dynamics that affect coral health are maintained.
- Work to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change by supporting renewable energy and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
- Support marine protected areas and conservation efforts, allowing coral reefs to recover from bleaching events and protecting them from further damage.
Every effort counts, and combined, these steps can lead to a significant positive impact on the health of coral reef ecosystems. The correct answer to the student's question is d) All of the above.