Environmentalist Daniel Batten identified a 2018 report by Digiconomist founder Alex de Vries as the source of widespread misinformation about Bitcoin’s environmental impact. Batten, citing a Dec. 12 thread, claimed that de Vries’ flawed metrics fueled “Bitcoin gaslighting” in mainstream media and academic discussions.
De Vries’ report, Bitcoin’s Growing Energy Problem, popularized the now-debunked energy use per transaction metric. Batten criticized this method, noting Bitcoin’s energy consumption is unrelated to transaction volume, allowing it to scale without increasing emissions.Batten highlighted that academic journals like ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, and Nature have dismissed de Vries’ claims, shifting the narrative in favor of Bitcoin’s environmental benefits. Major outlets like Reuters and Forbes now report positively on Bitcoin’s role in climate action.
Despite progress, Batten said re-education is crucial for mainstream adoption of Bitcoin mining as a climate solution. Digiconomist’s “Bitcoin Electronic Waste Monitor,” which alleges significant environmental harm, continues to influence some regulators and investors.
Cointelegraph sought comment from de Vries but received no response.
Source: Cointelegraph
