> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.theblockchainlibrary.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# The Merge

> Ethereum's 2022 transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus.

# The Merge

Ethereum's 2022 transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus.

## Definition

Ethereum's 2022 transition from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake consensus.

## Why it matters

Ethereum-specific terms explain its execution environment, standards, accounts, and scaling roadmap.

## How it works

The Merge turned off the proof-of-work consensus where miners solved math problems to secure the network. Instead, it enabled the proof-of-stake consensus layer (the Beacon Chain) to become the final authority for all transactions, where validators now reach consensus based on their staked assets.

## Real-world example

Immediately after The Merge, the carbon footprint of the Ethereum network dropped by nearly 100%, effectively silencing criticisms regarding the network's environmental sustainability.

## Advantages

* Over 99% energy reduction
* Improved economic sustainability for ETH
* Foundation for future scalability

## Limitations

* Did not immediately solve gas fees
* Requires long-term validator health
* Complexity introduced new risk vectors

## Common misconceptions

* Many people believe The Merge lowered gas fees, but it was purely a consensus transition and not a scalability upgrade.
* Some thought the transition would cause the network to go offline, but the switch occurred seamlessly without downtime.

## Related knowledge

* [EIP](/generated/v2/glossary/eip) — term
* [Ethereum](/categories/ethereum) — term
* [Smart Contract](/generated/v2/glossary/smart-contract) — term

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**Canonical knowledge ID:** `glossary:the-merge`