- During a recent appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum, financier Robert Friedland criticized Bitcoin mining for its excessive energy consumption.
- According to recent data, Bitcoin’s energy usage surpasses that of the entire state of Utah, accounting for approximately 2% of U.S. electricity consumption.
- Friedland also criticized the gold mining industry for its energy wastage, suggesting that most of the world’s gold mines could close without significantly impacting humanity.
Financier Robert Friedland criticizes Bitcoin and gold mining for their excessive energy consumption, highlighting the growing concerns about the environmental impact of these industries.
Friedland Slams Bitcoin Mining as an “Energy Obscenity”
During his appearance at the Qatar Economic Forum, Robert Friedland, an American-Canadian financier, criticized Bitcoin mining for its excessive energy consumption. He referred to the process as an “energy obscenity,” noting that it uses “huge amounts of energy for nothing.” According to recent data, Bitcoin’s energy usage surpasses that of the entire state of Utah, accounting for approximately 2% of U.S. electricity consumption.
The Internet is Not Green, Says Friedland
Friedland also debunked the misconception that the internet is green. He pointed out that even a simple Google search consumes a significant amount of electrical energy. This consumption increases exponentially when it comes to AI searches, which he claims use up to 30 to 35 times more energy. The financier predicted that the growing popularity of artificial intelligence will drive energy demand “to infinity,” with AI competing with cryptocurrency mining for power.
Friedland Criticizes Gold Mining Industry
Not only did Friedland criticize Bitcoin mining, but he also took a shot at the gold mining industry. He suggested that most of the world’s gold mines could close today without significantly impacting humanity, implying that the industry is wasting too much electricity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Friedland’s criticism of Bitcoin and gold mining for their excessive energy consumption highlights the growing concerns about the environmental impact of these industries. As the demand for energy continues to rise due to the increasing popularity of AI and cryptocurrency mining, it is crucial for these industries to find more sustainable solutions.
