The New York Times reported that Bitcoin miners consume fossil fuel equivalent to 3.5 million cars.
A recent article shared by the New York Times revealed the environmental impact of Bitcoin mining in the United States, explaining its negative contribution to climate change. According to the article, it was revealed that the miners derive 85 percent of the energy they consume from fossil fuels and emit carbon emissions equivalent to 3.5 million cars.
The Report Also Draws Attention to Economic Impacts
This New York Times article also sparked long-standing debates about the environmental sustainability of crypto mining.
Critics argue that this process casts a shadow on global efforts to combat climate change. The article also draws attention to the economic effects of Bitcoin mining. This high demand for electricity drove the price up 5 percent for residential consumers in Texas.
This increase means Texans, who bear the weight of the impact of Bitcoin mining, spend an additional $1.8 billion a year on electricity. Cryptocurrency mining has been a controversial topic for years as it requires large amounts of energy to verify transactions on the blockchain. High energy demand has raised concerns about the role of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. However, crypto advocates argue that they can turn this situation in their favor with the benefits of decentralized finance.
This report, shared by the New York Times, highlights the urgency of addressing the environmental and economic impacts of cryptocurrency mining, and states that a balance must be struck between innovation and sustainability.