BTC Bounces Above $41K: Is Crypto a Wartime ‘Safe Haven’?
Mauricio Di Bartolomeo of Canadian crypto lending platform Ledn, joins “All About Bitcoin” to discuss BTC’s recent price surge above $41,000 as those affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict turn to bitcoin apparently as a financial safe haven. As Ukrainian officials call for Russian and Belarusian crypto addresses to be frozen, Bartolomeo discusses the role of trading platforms during times of conflict, looking also at the enactment of the Emergencies Act in Canada during the trucker protests.
Ruble-Denominated Bitcoin Volume Surges as Russia-Ukraine Conflict Endures
In today’s “Chart of the Day” segment, data from Paris-based crypto research provider Kaiko shows that the volume of Russian ruble-denominated bitcoin has surged to a 9-month high of nearly 1.5 billion rubles following global sanctions on Russia. Additionally, Bitcoin-Ukrainian hryvnia volume has also spiked following the progression of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Debate on Whether or Not China’s Crypto Mining Ban Is Worsening Bitcoin’s Environmental Impact
A new study published in Joule claims that bitcoin’s environmental impact has worsened since China’s 2021 ban on cryptocurrency mining because miners moved their operations to countries with less renewable energy. “The Hash” dissects this report, comparing its findings with statistics from the Bitcoin Mining Council while also considering the human rights value of uncensorable money as seen in the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
CrossTower CEO: Crypto’s Positive Impact in the Russia-Ukraine Crisis
Kapil Rathi, CrossTower Co-Founder & CEO, joins “First Mover” to examine the international markets’ response to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Rathi explains how the increased movement of bitcoin into Eastern Europe is facilitating help to those impacted by the war, stating “crypto was meant for citizens.”
El Salvador to Inaugurate Bitcoin-Funded Pet Hospital With Surplus Government Trust Fund
El Salvador will inaugurate a new public pet hospital, funded by a $4 million surplus in a government trust fund caused by bitcoin's rising value, according to President Nayib Bukele. "The Hash" crew questions whether this is the best-use case for the surplus bitcoin. "We're talking about $4 million, in a really poor country ... If you're trying to be an advertisement for bitcoin, go out there and help the people who badly need it," says co-host David Morris.
