Which factor primarily drives changes in sea levels associated with climate change?

The primary driver of changes in sea levels associated with climate change is the melting of ice caps and the thermal expansion of water. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, polar ice sheets and glaciers are melting at an accelerated rate. This process contributes directly to rising sea levels as the water previously stored in ice flows into the ocean.

Additionally, as the temperature of ocean water increases, water expands in volume, further contributing to sea level rise. This thermal expansion is a direct result of the increased heat in the atmosphere and subsequently the oceans, leading to larger volumes of water occupying more space.

Other factors, such as decreased ocean temperatures, increased disease spreading, or sea acidification, do not have a direct impact on sea level changes. Decreased ocean temperatures would actually lead to a decrease in the volume of ocean water rather than an increase. Increased disease spreading and sea acidification are significant environmental issues but are not directly linked to changes in sea level. Thus, the melting of ice caps and thermal expansion of water remain the primary mechanisms driving the current trends in sea level rise due to climate change.