How can climate change impact sea levels?

The rise in sea levels due to climate change is primarily attributed to the melting of ice caps. As global temperatures increase, polar ice sheets and glaciers melt at an accelerated rate. This melting contributes directly to rising sea levels as the water stored in these ice masses flows into the ocean. In addition to the melting of ice, thermal expansion of seawater occurs as it warms, further contributing to sea level rise.

While other factors such as changes in precipitation, ocean currents, and evaporation rates can influence local sea levels or weather patterns, they do not have the same direct, significant impact on global sea level rise as the melting of glaciers and ice caps. Hence, the correct answer focuses on the major and direct effect of climate change on sea levels through the melting of ice.