The Environmental Impact of Cryptocurrency: What You Should Know
Aayushi Jain
Bitcoin mining alone consumes about 130 TWh annually, equivalent to the energy usage of countries like Argentina, highlighting, which is alarming.
Cryptocurrency mining often requires specialized hardware that becomes obsolete quickly, generating over 30,000 tons of e-waste, akin to waste from a small country.
Cryptocurrency mining operations often rely on water for cooling. In regions like Washington State, this has raised concerns about local ecosystems and aquatic life.
The environmental footprint of cryptocurrencies is staggering. In 2022, Bitcoin was estimated to emit 100 million metric tons of CO2 annually.
As awareness grows, governments are responding. In 2021, countries like China began cracking down on energy-intensive mining operations to combat environmental degradation.