Bitcoin, as an alternative to traditional currencies, has been a subject of heated debate since it emerged in the aftermath of the 2007/2008 financial crisis. Its supporters argue that it is a ground-breaking innovation that empowers individuals to control their own money and escape the interference, manipulation, and control of powerful institutions, while its detractors warn that it is a risky and irresponsible experiment that harms society and the planet. However, the landscape is evolving fast; for instance, some of the current US presidential candidates are endorsing Bitcoin as part of their platforms and accepting donations in Bitcoin. Then some of the biggest investment firms are seeking approval for Bitcoin ETFs to bring Bitcoin to the mainstream market, and many countries are creating crypto-friendly regulations. In this episode, I have the pleasure of talking to Margot Paez, a PhD candidate who studies the environmental impact of Bitcoin, an environmentalist and activist, and a fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, to shed some light on some of the common misconceptions and realities about Bitcoin and its potential to challenge the status quo from a progressive left perspective.

Notes:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2023/05/04/4-progressives-working-to-change-the-narrative-around-bitcoin/?sh=54426c9c3634

Ibañez, J.I. and Freier, A., 2023. SoK: Bitcoin, Energy Consumption and Environmental Impact. arXiv preprint arXiv:2304.04578.

https://bitcoinmagazine.com/culture/margot-paez-on-progressive-bitcoin

*Disclaimer:

The content of this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. You should do your own research and consult a professional before making any financial decisions involving Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency.