Melting ice caps refer to the process where large areas of ice, primarily in the polar regions, are decreasing in size due to rising global temperatures. This phenomenon is largely driven by climate change, which causes the Earth's temperature to rise, leading to the melting of ice in places like the Arctic and Antarctica. As the ice caps melt, they contribute to rising sea levels, which can lead to coastal flooding and the loss of habitat for various species. The melting ice also affects global weather patterns and can disrupt ecosystems, impacting both wildlife and human communities that rely on stable climates.