What is a potential risk associated with rising sea levels due to climate change?

The correct answer highlights a significant environmental impact of rising sea levels, which is saltwater intrusion into freshwater resources. As sea levels rise, ocean waters can encroach upon coastal aquifers and underground freshwater sources. This intrusion compromises the quality of freshwater supplies, making them unsuitable for drinking and irrigation.

Such contamination can severely affect agricultural practices, the availability of drinking water, and the overall ecosystem health in coastal regions. This situation poses a considerable risk to communities that rely on these freshwater resources for their daily needs and can lead to a variety of socio-economic issues, including water scarcity and food security challenges.

The other options do not accurately reflect the consequences of rising sea levels. Increased biodiversity in coastal ecosystems may not be a direct result of rising sea levels, as changing salinity can actually threaten many species and disrupt existing ecosystems. Decreased frequency of extreme weather events does not correlate with rising sea levels; in fact, climate change generally leads to more frequent and severe weather patterns. Improved agricultural conditions are also unlikely, as saltwater intrusion can harm soil and crop health, negatively impacting agriculture rather than enhancing it.