Meaning: 'Temperature' refers to the degree of heat present in a substance or environment, in this case, the Earth's atmosphere.

Wrong options:

• starting: Starting is a gerund that implies the beginning of an action, which does not fit the context of discussing a measurement of climate change.
• vanishing: Vanishing is a gerund that suggests something disappearing, which does not relate to the measurement of climate change.
• climate: Climate is a noun that refers to the long-term weather patterns in a region, but it does not serve as a specific measurement like temperature does.

Correct answer: melting

Explanation: The term 'melting' is a gerund that describes the process of ice turning into water, which is a direct consequence of rising temperatures. It fits grammatically as it follows the verb 'is' and aligns with the context of climate change effects.

Meaning: 'Melting' refers to the process of a solid turning into a liquid, particularly ice in this context.

Wrong options:

• starting: Starting is a gerund that indicates the beginning of an action, which does not fit the context of describing an ongoing process like ice melting.
• vanishing: Vanishing suggests something disappearing entirely, which does not accurately describe the process of ice melting, as it implies a transformation rather than a disappearance.
• eroding: Eroding is a gerund that refers to the gradual destruction or removal of material, which does not fit here as it describes a different process than melting.

Correct answer: eroding

Explanation: The word 'eroding' is a gerund that describes the process of gradual destruction or wearing away, which is relevant to the context of coastlines being affected by climate change. It fits grammatically as it follows the verb 'are' and aligns with the ongoing impact of rising sea levels.

Meaning: 'Eroding' refers to the process of being gradually worn away, particularly in relation to land or coastlines.

Wrong options:

• starting: Starting is a gerund that indicates the beginning of an action, which does not fit the context of describing a continuous process like erosion.
• vanishing: Vanishing implies something disappearing completely, which does not accurately describe the gradual process of erosion.
• melting: Melting refers specifically to the process of ice turning into water, which does not fit the context of coastlines being worn away.