Question

activator ~ 3 min
oceans have become increasingly acidic in recent years as the water absorbs more co2 from the atmosphere. this increased acidity interferes with the ability of corals to maintain their skeletons. in addition, an increase in water temperature worldwide is causing coral bleaching, another condition that threatens the health of coral reefs. based on this info, which of these would most improve the health of coral reefs?
a. reducing the use of fossil fuels
b. eliminating nuclear power plants
c. removing more natural gas embedded in rocks
d. replacing offshore oil drills with onshore oil drills

Explanation:

The problem states that ocean acidification (due to increased CO₂ absorption from the atmosphere) and rising water temperatures (causing coral bleaching) threaten coral reefs. Reducing fossil - fuel use would decrease CO₂ emissions. Less CO₂ in the atmosphere means less is absorbed by the oceans, reducing acidification. Also, since burning fossil fuels contributes to global warming (which causes rising water temperatures), reducing their use would help mitigate temperature - related coral bleaching.
Eliminating nuclear power plants (which do not emit CO₂ during operation) would not address the CO₂ and temperature issues affecting coral reefs. Removing more natural gas (a fossil fuel, but its extraction and use details in the context of the problem's main issues - CO₂ and temperature - don't directly improve coral reef health as much as reducing overall fossil - fuel use). Replacing offshore oil drills with onshore ones still involves oil (a fossil fuel) extraction and use, which contributes to CO₂ emissions and global warming.

Answer:

A. reducing the use of fossil fuels