Examine the environmental implications of Bitcoin Layer 2 scaling solutions in mitigating the carbon footprint associated with traditional proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanisms. Discover how Lightning Network and other Layer 2 protocols reduce on-chain congestion and energy consumption by facilitating a greater volume of transactions off-chain. Explore the potential for Layer 2 scaling to enhance the sustainability and long-term viability of the Bitcoin network, aligning with global efforts towards eco-friendly blockchain technologies.