Environment


Policy

Crypto Mining Moratorium Faces Stiff Headwinds in Albany

The New York State Assembly voted to pass the bill last week, but a fresh wave of opposition from industry and lawmakers alike could make the Senate battle much more difficult.

New York's state Capitol building in Albany (Getty Images/Larry Lee Photography)

Policy

What a Mining Moratorium Could Really Mean for New York’s Crypto Industry

The state's proposed two-year ban is inching closer to reality, and experts warn about its potentially chilling effect.

New York's state Capitol building in Albany (Getty Images/Larry Lee Photography)

Policy

New York Lawmakers Advance Mining Moratorium Bill to Full Assembly

The bill would bar new permits for proof-of-work mining operations in former power plants for two years.

Cryptocurrency mining rigs sit on racks. (James MacDonald/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Finance

Kevin O'Leary on Clean Bitcoin Mining, the Elon Musk-Twitter Conundrum

The future of the crypto mining industry is likely nuclear and hydro, the “Shark Tank” co-host said on CoinDesk TV’s “First Mover.”

(Kevin O'Leary, modified by CoinDesk)

Finance

These ‘Utility NFTs’ Look to Gamify Rainforest Protection

The AEternals NFT project offers a crypto-native way to protect plots of land in the Amazon rainforest.

(Vlad Hilitanu/Unsplash)

Finance

Solana-Based Climate Change Project Employs ‘NFTrees’ to Save Rainforests

GainForest combines satellite imagery with data science in a bid to incentivize landowners away from cutting down trees.

From left to right: Osvaldo Resquin, Elizabeth Martínez, Silvino Gonzalez, David Dao, Lucas Czech, Antonella Piacentini and Guadalupe and Elí León. (GainForest)

Policy

US House Democrats Call for Scrutiny on Crypto Mining as Environmental Threat

Rep. Huffman and other congressional Democrats wrote the EPA chief on the potential harm to the climate and environment.

U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.) led fellow Democrats to write the EPA about concerns over crypto mining. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Green New Deal Network)

Tech

Smart Offsets: Algorand Ups Sustainability Pledge With Self-Executing Code

The smart contract–based commitment to sustainability coincides with Earth Day, which is Friday.

A rendering of Algorand's Times Square activation. (Algorand Foundation)

Policy

Sweden, EU Discussed Bitcoin Proof-of-Work Ban: Report

Documents released by a German site suggest concern about the environmental impact of the crypto mining method.

European Union flags at Berlaymont building of the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium (Santiago Urquijo/Getty)