Corals in the Pacific Ocean have been dying at an alarming rate, particularly from bleaching brought on by increased water temperatures. But it's not too late to act, says TED Fellow Kristen Marhaver. She points to the Caribbean -- given time, stable temperatures and strong protection, corals there have shown the ability to survive and recover from trauma. Marhaver reminds us why we need to keep working to protect the precious corals we have left. "Corals have always been playing the long game," she says, "and now so are we."

Kristen Marhaver: Why I still have hope for coral reefs

Why I still have hope for coral reefs

Corals in the Caribbean, despite centuries of abuse, show resilience; some even thrive away from human impact, underlining hope.

A coral's recovery post-bleaching, with regained health and territory, exemplifies nature's resilience given time and protection.

Amid ocean turmoil, the enduring survival of corals across millennia as Earth's resilient architects inspires long-term optimism.