Global warming isn’t complicated at the core.
The Earth is warmed by sunlight, and it cools by sending heat back out to space as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases—especially carbon dioxide (CO₂)—absorb some of that outgoing heat and re-radiate it, which keeps more warmth in the lower atmosphere. That’s the greenhouse effect, and it’s a natural part of how Earth stays livable.
As CO₂ levels rise, the “blanket” thickens. That shifts the planet’s energy balance so temperatures climb and weather patterns change. Even small average increases can amplify extremes—hotter heat waves, heavier downpours, longer droughts, and higher wildfire risk. Oceans also absorb much of the extra heat, which contributes to sea-level rise and stresses marine ecosystems. This page gives a plain-language foundation so the rest of the site—solutions and market-based action—stays grounded in shared facts.
