Given the enormous energy consumption of cryptocurrency networks across the world, there is substantial debate as to whether the end product is worth the impact it has on global warming. Those who believe that crypto\'s main function is to fund drug and gun peddling, terrorism or ransom payments, say it is not.

The people of Zimbabwe, Venezuela and other Bitcoin adopting nations would disagree, given that the advent of decentralised ledger technology has allowed them to escape the control of their despotic governments for the first time in decades. Bitcoin has offered many countries with a hopelessly devalued fiat currency a more stable store of value. In economically stronger countries, Bitcoin has kick-started a whole new industry, with massive investment by venture capitalists, hundreds of new start-ups and increased opportunity for jobs.

The ecological impact, however, has worried even some of the principal actors, such as Ethereum Founder, Vitalik Buterin. Buterin is investigating a more eco-friendly approach to Blockchain technology and has implemented the use of Proof of Stake protocols rather than the energy-heavy Proof of Work for his cryptocurrency.

It remains to be seen how going green will impact crypto mining operations.