Episode 22: Aug 18

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IN THIS EPISODE:

The carbon footprint of cryptocurrency
What do Sweden, Argentina, Norway, Belgium, Ukraine and Chile have in common? They all consume less electricity in one year than Bitcoin does. Yes, Bitcoin, the cryptocurrency that is shaking up the financial world, is a massive energy hog. In fact, Bitcoin “miners” have been responsible for bringing retired coal and natural gas plants back online in order to satisfy their energy needs. Why is Bitcoin so dirty? Can cryptocurrencies go green?

Guest: Alex de Vries – Economist and founder of Digiconomist.net

Links:

• Research: Digiconomist’s Bitcoin Energy Consumption Index
• Research: “Policy assessments for the carbon emission flows of Bitcoin in China” (Nature)
• Article: “Up to 1 million bitcoin processors could be relocated to Alberta” (CBC)
• Blog: Mike Moffatt’s “5 Things Happening in the Green Economy This Week”

Have feedback on this episode? Send an email to host & producer Eric Campbell or Tweet @PaperBagEric and @SP_Inst.

The views expressed on “Smart Prosperity: The Podcast” are in the spirit of sharing timely and evidence-based information and opinions on the green economy. They are not necessarily the views of Smart Prosperity Institute.

Episode 22 includes music and clips from Eric Campbell,  Zapsplat, Reuters and Global News

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