As such, the only surefire solution would be to take "urgent and rapid action" to slow global warming. While the faster-growing coral can usually recover in between bleaching events, that's not an option for others. Also, it's "no longer realistic" to hope that there will be an extended gap between events that gives the slower coral a chance to come back.

Actually making that happen would be no mean feat, even if you limit the efforts to Australia. The Guardian notes that both the national Australian government and the state of Queensland have been pushing for a coal mine that would not only contribute to warming through its emissions, but would require that ships travel over the Great Barrier Reef. It might require a rude awakening for officials to back away from policies that hurt coral reefs, and there's no guarantee that one will happen in time.