By EWN • Updated: 09 Nov 2022 • 15:00
Environmental impact is one of the biggest concerns for ethical investors looking to get into the cryptocurrency space. Bitcoin (BTC) is the most popular cryptocurrency and brought about the advent of cryptocurrencies. However, it is one of the worst in terms of environmental impact. In this piece, I will be examining Bitcoin, and comparing it to two more energy-efficient alternatives – Ethereum (ETH) and Big Eyes (BIG).
Although one of the first and most robust cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin (BTC) is taking a heavy toll on the environment. Bitcoin mining consumes as much energy as a country like Jordan or Sri Lanka. This high rate of electricity consumption is due to a very secure, but energy-inefficient method of validating transactions, called proof-of-work.
Most of the electricity used to power Bitcoin mining comes from coal. 68% of mining happens in Asia, and with much more lax pollution and environmental regulations, a green, sustainable alternative is likely not seen as a very attractive option. Some companies attempt to greenwash this energy source by claiming they use ‘spare’ energy to prevent energy wastage from power plants at overcapacity.
Of course, with such a huge amount of electricity used, it is not surprising that Bitcoin is responsible for an exorbitantly high amount of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2019, Bitcoin was responsible for 22.9 million metric tons of C02 emissions, which is the same as 5 million cars being driven in a year.
Surely there must be a better alternative to this energy-guzzling behemoth?
Ethereum (ETH) is the second most popular cryptocurrency. It works as a platform for other cryptocurrencies to operate on. It also allows for the decentralised execution of smart contracts. It initially ran on the same proof-of-work system as Bitcoin, but recently changed to proof-of-stake, a much more energy-efficient method to validate transactions on the network.
Big Eyes (BIG) is an up-and-coming meme coin. This cute little cat has amassed over $9 million in pre-sale so far and continues to grow every day. As it runs on the Ethereum network, not only is Big Eyes more energy efficient than Bitcoin but having a positive impact on the environment is a big part of its core purpose. 5% of all tokens are held in a visible charity wallet, to be used to contribute towards causes that will make a positive impact on our planet. Big Eyes wants to focus more on ocean conservation charities, due to the negative effect that plastic pollution, oil spills and overfishing has on marine life. As Big Eyes tokens grow in value, so will the amount of monetary assistance they will be able to provide for charities trying to make the seas a cleaner place. Use promo code BUYEYES816 for additional, free Big Eyes tokens on your purchase.
Proof-of-stake is a much more energy-efficient method of validating transactions for a network to use. However, there are drawbacks to having a proof-of-stake system. It tends towards centralisation, as the whales in the market (investors that own a high percentage of cryptocurrency on the market) can have much more influence. The more funds they stake, the more voting power they have, and so many people question whether proof-of-stake even fulfils cryptocurrency’s entire purpose – decentralisation.
Regardless, proof-of-stake is much better than Bitcoin’s proof-of-work system in terms of environmental impact. With coins like Big Eyes, It is doing its part to assist and contribute to a positive effect on our planet. Keeping complete decentralisation, or having a better impact on the environment is a choice environmentally-conscious investors will have to consider.
Big Eyes Coin (BIG)
Presale: https://buy.bigeyes.space/
Website: https://bigeyes.space/
Telegram: https://t.me/BIGEYESOFFICIAL
Sponsored
Share this story
Subscribe to our Euro Weekly News alerts to get the latest stories into your inbox!
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don't already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
By signing up, you will create a Euro Weekly News account if you don’t already have one. Review our Privacy Policy for more information about our privacy practices.
Download our media pack in either English or Spanish.