What is Bitcoin?
Bitcoin was the first crypto to be introduced in 2009, it is a digital asset that enables users to perform secure peer-to-peer transactions over the internet. New bitcoins are created through a process known as mining, which involves validating and recording transactions in a blockchain network. Miners who first complete validating a block are rewarded with new bitcoins.
Thousands of pieces of heavy and complex hardware are required for Bitcoin mining. Some estimate that the Bitcoin network consumes about 700 kWh per transaction. Complex computers also produce additional energy as they generate heat. It is hard to estimate how much electricity it consumes, as different systems need varying levels of energy efficiency. Cambridge University estimates it consumes about 121 terawatt hours a year, more than some countries consume. It is only getting worse as miners keep increasing their computing power to compete with others.
Carbon emissions reduction
There is an urgent need for innovative solutions for sustainable crypto growth. Blockchain technology has the potential to pioneer the shift towards a green economy and accelerate eco-friendly investments. It operates as a digital ledger that records transactions and offers unparalleled security and transparency. It can create solutions to bring governments, companies, and individuals together to mitigate climate change risks. It can support and collaborate with various initiatives to fight climate change. It can highlight voluntary carbon markets to bring in green investments. It can also accelerate the development of open data infrastructure to help coordinate with global players to create sustainable solutions.
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Carbon offset
Bitcoin mining requires vast energy due to its reliance on the proof-of-work consensus mechanism. Carbon credits offer a way for Bitcoin to offset its energy requirements. A carbon credit holder can emit greenhouse gases equivalent to one ton of carbon dioxide or the equivalent of other gases. The compliance market and the voluntary carbon market are two types of carbon credit markets. Crypto and carbon credits operate without any central intermediaries. There is a need for better-decentralized solutions to manage carbon credits in blockchain. One such solution is Bitcoin Zero, where every new Bitcoin is canceled out by a carbon credit. There are issues related to carbon credits, such as double counting, where both the seller and buyer of carbon credits count the emission reduction, leading to a net increase in emissions. We need robust solutions to make Bitcoin more sustainable for its broader adoption.
Sustainable crypto initiatives
Many projects are working towards reducing the carbon footprint of the Bitcoin network. One such initiative is the Crypto Climate Accord, which has the goal of making blockchains run on entirely renewable energy by 2025 and the crypto industry achieve net zero emissions by 2040. It aims to reduce the carbon footprint of crypto by using more energy-efficient validation methods. It is pushing for proof-of-work (PoW) consensus systems to be located in regions with excess renewable energy. It also encourages the purchase of certificates to support renewable energy generators, similar to carbon offsets supporting sustainable projects. Other sustainability solutions include moving bitcoin operations near oil fields to tap into the waste methane gas. It wants methane gas to power generators used for Bitcoin mining.
Other solutions include moving mining operations to regions with abundant wind power. Bitcoin miners have been migrating to countries that can give access to cheap renewable energy. Countries with ample renewable energy can provide dedicated zones for crypto mining, which can produce revenue from cutting-edge technologies, enhancing their global reputation. As the Bitcoin network becomes more sustainable, more large-scale investors will be interested in taking part in the crypto market.
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