Let’s not allow the unlearned (media) deny simple algebra while decrying “science deniers”. 2+2=4, therefore 4-2=2. Hard sciences are proven through the numerical triumvirate: math+algebra+calculus.
According to the recent PBS special, an increase in the atmospheric CO2 retains thermal radiation (IR energy); it “doesn’t allow the escape of heat”. While this is a scientific fact, it does not take into account any of the REFLECTIVE/DEFLECTIVE action of CO2. Incoming IR energy is deflected away from the earth in same manner AND RATE it is reflected back into the atmosphere.
CO2 is actually a MODERATOR of atmospheric temperature.
It’s math AND science.
Paper titled "Can Measurements of the Near‐Infrared Solar Spectral Irradiance be Reconciled? A New Ground‐Based Assessment Between 4,000 and 10,000 cm-1" says "About 25% of the Sun's energy reaches Earth in this [near IR] spectral region, which makes it important for quantifying the global energy budget, particularly since it is home to several strong water vapor, CO2, and other absorption bands." and the paper concludes that the amount of NIR is probably lower. In any case the other 75% of the incoming radiation is higher frequencies that are mostly not absorbed by CO2, water vapor or other greenhouse gases.
In contrast to the hot sun, the earth is pretty cool and thus radiates most of its energy at lower frequencies. The difference between the higher frequencies from the sun and lower frequencies from the earth is why increases in greenhouse gases cause warming. Of course that is oversimplified since the earth has wide variety of temperatures, surface materials vary, and the "greenhouse" is extremely uneven due to water vapor. Not to mention the gaping holes in the greenhouse" from convection.
But the greenhouse of greenhouse gases is quite sinilar to a glass greenhouse in it's basic operation.