The Greenhouse Mechanism
CO2 and methane trap infrared radiation. Atmospheric CO2 rose from 280 ppm pre-industrial to over 420 ppm today.
Observed Effects
Rising sea levels, glacier retreat, intensified heatwaves, and shifted precipitation patterns match model predictions from decades ago.
Carbon Budget
To limit warming to 1.5C, global emissions must drop roughly 45% by 2030. Current trajectories exceed this budget.
What Helps
Renewable energy scale-up, electrified transport, reduced deforestation, and policy pressure matter more than individual light bulbs alone.