Bitcoin Uses a Ton of Energy — On Purpose. Is it Worth It?

Studies estimate that global bitcoin mining uses more electricity than most countries, and that bitcoin mining may be responsible for about 65 megatons of carbon dioxide a year, comparable with the emissions of Greece. Some bitcoin operations are bringing old coal plants back on line, even as lobbyists for the bitcoin mining industry argue that mining operations can have a positive impact on the climate by creating more demand for carbon-free power. But even if all of the power were derived from green sources, is bitcoin mining really the best use of renewable electricity? 

This episode features a report by multimedia journalist Lily Jamali of the public radio program Marketplace, who takes us inside a crypto mining facility in upstate New York.

Guests:

Rolf Skar, Senior Advisor, Greenpeace USA

Brittany Kaiser, Chair of the Board, Gryphon Digital Mining

Thomas Cmar, Senior Attorney, Earthjustice 

For show notes and related links, visit our website.

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