The discussion about cryptocurrency and its possible impact on climate change has heated up. Several companies and government officials worldwide have expressed concern about this problem, expected to gain traction in 2022.
The non-profit company that runs the well-known internet browser Mozilla has joined the list of entities concerned about the environmental impact of cryptocurrency. The company declared that it would no longer accept cryptocurrency donations on its official Twitter account. According to Mozilla:
Last week, we tweeted a reminder that Mozilla accepts cryptocurrency donations. This led to an important discussion about cryptocurrency’s environmental impact. We’re listening and taking action.
Mozilla went on to say that crypto and decentralized web technology related to digital assets and blockchain have been “an important area for us to study.” However, the corporation believes the market has changed and will “reevaluate” if its policies around climate change are compatible with its cryptocurrency donation policy. According to Mozilla:
In the spirit of open-source, this will be a transparent process and we’ll share regular updates. We look forward to having this conversation and appreciate our community for bringing this to our attention.
In 2014, the company started its cryptocurrency donation program, which Bitpay sponsored. Users could give Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin Cash (BCH), Litecoin (LTC), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and other cryptocurrencies.
Dabble in @dogecoin? HODLing some #Bitcoin & #Ethereum?
We’re using @BitPay to accept donations in #cryptocurrency https://t.co/EOsLD1Z88O
— Mozilla (@mozilla) December 31, 2021
The argument that led to the decision was prompted by Jamie Zawinski, one of Mozilla’s founders in the 1990s, and Peter Linss, the inventor of Gecko, the internet engine that drives the internet browser. According to Zawinski:
Hi, I’m sure that whoever runs this account has no idea who I am, but I founded Mozilla and I’m here to say fuck you and fuck this. Everyone involved in the project should be witheringly ashamed of this decision to partner with planet-incinerating Ponzi grifters.
Other important members of the original Mozilla crew or those who participated in its establishment were as harsh. They expressed “disappointment,” although the group has had a cryptocurrency donation program in place for years. Furthermore, most cryptocurrencies recognized by Mozilla have little to no impact on climate change.
so the IEA urgently requests more demand response to deal with more renewable (& intermittent) grids – 500GW globally by 2030 up from 30GW today
what's the most suitable and fastest growing industrial load for demand response? (h/t @ShaunEnergy)https://t.co/pJuhZZY7N1
— nic carter (@nic__carter) January 5, 2022
According to data provided in the documentary “This Machine Greens,” the Bitcoin network consumes far less energy than always-on devices.
Furthermore, Bitcoin advocates asserted that the cryptocurrency’s qualities might aid in spreading renewable energy.
In any case, a comparison of Bitcoin’s energy usage to other types of money, such as fiat cash, will almost certainly reveal a disparity in the quantity required to operate. In response to Mozilla’s announcement, Alex Gladstein of the Human Rights Foundation stated:
Did you have an important discussion about the petrodollar’s environmental impact? It seems you still take donations in USD.
