The Bitcoin (BTC) bashing has continued unabated even in the depths of a bear market with more research questioning its energy usage and impact on the environment.

The researchers conclude that the findings represent “a set of red flags for any consideration as a sustainable sector,” adding that it is very unlikely that the Bitcoin network will become sustainable by switching to proof-of-stake: “If the industry doesn’t shift its production path away from POW, or move towards POS, then this class of digitally scarce goods may need to be regulated, and delay will likely lead to increasing global climate damages.”

There are always counter comparisons and arguments, however.

Furthermore, transmission and distribution electricity losses in the U.S. alone are 206 TWh per year, which could power the Bitcoin network 2.2 times over.

Several mining operations have also been set up to use excess or otherwise wasted energy such as gas flaring.
Source: Cointelegraph
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