What is a likely consequence of melting polar ice caps?

Melting polar ice caps significantly contributes to higher global sea levels due to the vast amount of freshwater that is released into the oceans. As ice caps and glaciers melt, the water that was previously stored as ice flows into the ocean, which raises the overall volume of seawater. This process is notably accelerated by climate change, as rising global temperatures contribute to the accelerated melting of ice. The increase in sea levels can lead to severe consequences, including coastal erosion, higher flooding risks, and the displacement of communities in low-lying coastal regions.

Lower sea levels, increased polar habitats, and decreased salinity of oceans do not accurately reflect the outcomes of melting ice caps, as the primary impact is indeed the rise in sea levels due to the influx of meltwater into the ocean.