How does the melting of Arctic ice affect global sea levels?

The melting of Arctic ice contributes to global sea level rise. While the exact contribution from Antarctica is uncertain, the retreat of glaciers in the Arctic and mountain regions has already accounted for approximately 50 percent of current sea level rise. This melting adds water to the oceans, increasing their volume. Additionally, the warming of ocean water itself causes thermal expansion, further contributing to rising sea levels. Under higher emission scenarios, accelerated melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets could lead to significant sea level increases by 2100 and beyond.123