> However, despite being extremely energy intensive, per unit power consumed, Bitcoin mining is probably one of the most environmentally friendly activities in the world. This is due to the unique flexibility with respect to where the power is required. This means miners often choose renewable power due to the low stable costs or miners are able to use otherwise wasted or stranded energy. This is a fact often claimed by Bitcoin proponents and it is probably true. Per unit power consumed Bitcoin is likely to be exceptionally environmentally friendly.
Ok, but what's actually happening? We can pontificate about how bitcoin mining could be hypothetically switched over to entirely renewable power because it is geography and time independent, but what's the cold hard reality?
What % of energy used in bitcoin mining is from coal or other fossil fuels?
What's the delta amount of fossil fuels burned compared to bitcoin not existing? How does that compare to other ways of sending money digitally?
Any defence of bitcoin on environmental grounds that dodges that question is flaky at best.
> What's the delta amount of fossil fuels burned compared to bitcoin not existing? How does that compare to other ways of sending money digitally?
How would it be possible to answer any of those questions reliably when any individual could set up a miner at their home?
https://blog.bitmex.com/bitcoins-carbon-footprint/