“About 1.9 million Americans were exposed to additional atmospheric pollution by small dispersed particles caused by bitcoin mining. This is stated in published in Nature Communications. A group of scientists, led by Francesko Dominici from the Harvard School of Public Health named after T. H. Chan found out that the most victims were the states: New York; Texas (northeast and capital region near Houston/Austin); Illinois and Kentucky (areas along their border). Researchers have collected data […]”, – WRITE: Businessua.com.ua
About 1.9 million Americans were exposed to additional atmospheric pollution by small dispersed particles caused by bitcoin mining. This is discussed in published in Nature Communications.
A group of scientists, led by Francesko Dominici from the Harvard School of Public Health named after T. H. Chan found out that the most victims were states:
- New York;
- Texas (northeast and capital region near Houston/Austin);
- Illinois and Kentucky (areas along their border).
Researchers have collected data on the 34 largest bitcoin farms with a total capacity of 3910 MW. In the period from August 2022 to July 2023, enterprises consumed a total of 32.5 TVT-hours of electricity, 85% of which were generated from fossil fuels.
Geography of accommodation of 34 bitcoin farms and power plants that feed them. Data: Nature Communications.
Bitcoin electricity suppliers were 138 coal and 497 gas power plants, often located in different regions. Responding to demand, businesses have increased generation through reserve capacity, which led to an increase in fine -dispersed dust emissions.
Scientists have noted that this type of contamination is associated with premature mortality and other negative effects on health.
The average concentration of Minging particles PM 2.5 in the environment. Data: Nature Communications.
The authors of the study emphasized that the impact of the concentration of fine particles increased through mining was suffered by residents of districts far from the date centers. For example, the largest electricity supplier for the site of Atlas Power in Vilston (North Dakota) was the Jeffrey Energy Center coal station, located in St. Meris (Kansas)-about 1155 km.
“The residents of the metropolis (Illinois) breathe high concentrations of PM 2.5 pollutants, which are ejected by a power plant in Kentucky, which supplies mining bitcoins in North Carolina,” the study said.
This complicates the opportunity for the population, public organizations and local authorities to respond to emissions, scientists believe.
According to them, since the completion of the study of the capacity of mining enterprises has probably increased significantly. If the participants of their plans are fulfilled, 7945 MW can now reach the total indicator.
According to the researchers, the production of bitcoin carries two main problems in terms of air pollution:
- cryptocurrency production consumes a huge amount of electricity produced on fossil fuel such as coal;
- Emissions regulation efforts are complicated by restrictions on the jurisdiction of state power.
Decisions may be the rules of “responsible placement” of miners and interference with the fight against air pollution in the regions of federal organs, scientists believe.
Recall that the US Senate presented a bill that establishes regional restrictions on emissions for cryptocurrency production and date centers serving AI.
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