Bitcoin Water Use Claims Don't Hold Water, Analysis Finds
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The commentary published in a scientific journal about Bitcoin's water usage contains factual and mathematical inaccuracies. Mainstream media has spread these false claims without questioning them.
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The data scientist calculates water consumption per Bitcoin transaction, which shows a misunderstanding of how Bitcoin works. The relevant metric is consumption per block.
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The math combines indirect and direct water usage, which cannot be meaningfully added together. Many assumptions used in the calculations are also tenuous.
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Almost all mainstream media coverage has repeated the claims uncritically, without scrutinizing the data source or author’s track record.
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We must push back against this misinformation and explain why the data and conclusions are factually incorrect, for Bitcoin and broader issues around scientific rigor and truth in media.