Climate change is altering social-ecological systems. There is now little disagreement that decisive, radical action is needed. In marine systems, this action increasingly takes the shape of active bio- and geoengineering interventions. Their aim is to bolster marine ecosystems’ long-term survival by supporting organisms that are considered crucial. On coral reefs, a mission to save corals, and by implied extension, coral reefs, enjoys growing support in scientific and political circles, and billions of dollars in research and philanthropic funding. Such active interventions raise hope, societal awareness, and showcase political interest in conservation. Undoubtedly, this is valuable, important progress. However, should crisis and urgency lead us to prioritise technological and scientific experimentation over broader, evidence-driven care for socio-ecological systems? We argue that more work needs to be done to understand: 1) what kinds of biophysical and social-institutional interventions actually improve outcomes for climate-impacted coral reefs, and 2) how changing social-ecological functions will shape the care of future coral reefs. This information is urgently needed to assist decisionmakers and funders in effectively distinguishing hopeful yet experimental narratives from evidence-based care.