Study links Bitcoin mining to harmful emissions in the US
The environmental impact of Bitcoin mining is growing, with millions exposed to dangerous pollution.
A new study highlights the significant environmental and health risks posed by Bitcoin mining in the US. Led by Dr. Francesca Dominici of Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the study finds that emissions from mining facilities expose millions to dangerous PM2.5 pollution.
The research analysed 34 Bitcoin mining sites between August 2022 and July 2023. It showed that these sites consumed 32.3 terawatt-hours of electricity, with most of it coming from fossil fuels.
The mining activity exposed 1.9 million Americans to harmful PM2.5 levels, linked to increased health risks.
The study highlights cross-border pollution and suggests the EPA enforce a ‘Good Neighbor’ rule for out-of-state emissions.
Some in the industry downplay environmental concerns, while sustainable practices, like heat repurposing in Finland, emerge.
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