# Is BTC Mining Contributing to Climate Change?

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/btc-mining-contributing-to-climate-change/
- Published: 2022-08-04T11:39:54-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

BTC Mining, the process of creating new BTC. For it involves solving complex mathematical
problems. So to incentivize the miners, the system rewards them with a certain amount
of BTC for each problem they solve. The catch is that this process uses a lot of
energy, emitting significant quantities of greenhouse gases (GHG). According to 
a BanklessTimes analysis, emissions from BTC mining will push global warming above
2°C by 2040.

“Per a digiconomist estimate, a single [BTC](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/british-refuse-and-recycle-company-first-to-accept-bitcoin/)
transaction has a carbon footprint of about 841 kgCO2,” says BanklessTimes CEO Jonathan
Merry. He adds, “And as Bitcoin becomes more popular, that number is only likely
to increase. Bitcoin could eventually have a significant impact on [global warming](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/btc-mining-in-texas-cheap-electricity-and-renewable-energy/),
as the demand for energy-intensive Bitcoin mining grows.

![BTC mining](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/andre-
francois-mckenzie-JrjhtBJ-pGU-unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C281&quality=52&ssl=1)

Is [Bitcoin](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/british-refuse-and-recycle-company-first-to-accept-bitcoin/)
as Dirty as Its Critics Paint it?

[BTC](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/03/british-refuse-and-recycle-company-first-to-accept-bitcoin/)
critics say that it uses too much energy from sources like coal-fired power plants.
Consequently, they argue that BTC is [contributing](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/how-can-we-make-industrialization-more-eco-friendly/)
to [climate change](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/04/electrolux-steps-up-commitment-to-climate-action-with-approved-science-based-targets/).
However, there are also suggestions that [BTC](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/btc-mining-in-texas-cheap-electricity-and-renewable-energy/)
may not be as dirty as its critics paint it.

Proponents say that BTC is cleaner than traditional fiat currency. They hold that
renewable energy sources like [hydroelectricity](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/08/eco-wave-power-to-start-new-wave-energy-projects-amid-pending-energy-legislation/)
power most BTC mines. A recent report has also found that renewables power 57 % 
of all BTC mines.

What’s more, some experts believe that BTC could help to drive further investment
in renewable energy infrastructure. For example, if more people start using BTC,
there will be more demand for renewable-powered mines. This could lead to increased
investment in solar and wind farms, helping to accelerate the transition away from
fossil fuels.

## **Traditional Currencies Have a Higher Footprint**

It’s also worth noting that traditional fiat currencies have their environmental
impacts. For example, producing paper money requires significant amounts of water
and energy. And when you factor in transportation and other costs associated with
physical currency, the environmental impacts become even greater. In comparison,
BTC is entirely digital and doesn’t require any physical resources for its production
or use, making it much more environmentally friendly.

The full story and statistics can be found here: [Emissions From Bitcoin Mining Expected to Push Global Warming Above 2°C by 2040](https://www.banklesstimes.com/news/2022/08/02/emissions-from-bitcoin-mining-expected-to-push-global-warming-above-2c-by-2040/)

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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