Which of the following is an effect of climate change on the environment?

Rising sea levels due to melting polar ice is a well-documented effect of climate change on the environment. As global temperatures increase, ice sheets and glaciers in polar regions are melting at an accelerated rate. This process contributes to a significant rise in sea levels, which can lead to the flooding of coastal areas, loss of habitat, and increased erosion. The phenomenon of rising sea levels is closely tied to the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms, which further contributes to this critical environmental change.

In contrast, increased biodiversity in certain species may occur in some localized areas, but overall, climate change tends to disrupt ecosystems and threaten species survival. More consistent weather patterns are not typically associated with climate change; instead, many regions experience increased variability and extremes in weather events. Decreased global temperatures are contrary to the prevailing trend of climate change, which is characterized by a general increase in average global temperatures.