Bitcoin is a big carbon-emitter, according to new Swiss study

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🗞️ Driving the news: A new Swiss study finds that Bitcoin transactions generate roughly 486 kilograms of CO₂ each, while Ethereum transactions emit only 0.003 kilograms, making the latter far less carbon-intensive than traditional online payments like PayPal
• The study was conducted by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Swiss Economics for Germany’s Federal Environment Agency

🔭 The context: Bitcoin’s emissions stem from “mining,” where global networks of computers compete to validate transactions and generate new coins, consuming enormous amounts of electricity
• Ethereum largely avoids this energy-intensive process, using a proof-of-stake system, which drastically reduces CO₂ emissions per transaction

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The high carbon footprint of Bitcoin contributes significantly to global emissions, with mining estimated to cause around 98 million tonnes of CO₂ annually
• Energy-heavy cryptocurrencies could hinder climate targets unless mining shifts to renewable electricity or more efficient protocols are adopted

⏭️ What’s next: Policymakers and the crypto industry may increasingly push for energy-efficient blockchain technologies or regulatory incentives to limit high-emission cryptocurrencies
• Ethereum-style proof-of-stake systems are likely to become a model for lower-carbon crypto solutions

💬 One quote: “Energy consumption and therefore CO₂ emissions are significantly lower when mining is largely avoided.” – Lucerne University study authors

📈 One stat: Bitcoin generates 486 kg of CO₂ per transaction, over 160,000 times more than Ethereum’s 0.003 kg per transaction

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