比特币挖矿的碳足迹：加密货币行业及其他行业面临的挑战

比特币具有彻底改变金融市场的潜力，并享有巨大的全球影响力。然而，比特币挖矿的能源需求导致碳排放量增加。

Bitcoin, a decentralised digital currency, has garnered immense attention for its potential to revolutionise financial markets. However, a lesser-known aspect of bitcoin is its substantial carbon footprint, embodied in its complex global supply chains. A recent study by Nuri C Onat, Murat Kucukvar and colleagues delves into this critical topic, highlighting the urgent need to factor in the environmental consequences of digital currencies.

比特币是一种去中心化的数字货币，因其彻底改变金融市场的潜力而受到广泛关注。然而，比特币的一个鲜为人知的方面是其巨大的碳足迹，体现在其复杂的全球供应链中。 Nuri C Onat、Murat Kucukvar 及其同事最近的一项研究深入探讨了这一关键主题，强调迫切需要考虑数字货币对环境的影响。

Each bitcoin transaction carries a hefty carbon footprint, roughly equivalent to driving a gasoline-powered car between 1,600 and 2,600 kilometres. This staggering statistic underscores the high environmental cost of each transaction on the network, underscoring the pressing need for solutions to reduce this impact.

每笔比特币交易都会产生大量碳足迹，大约相当于驾驶汽油动力汽车行驶 1,600 至 2,600 公里。这一惊人的统计数据凸显了网络上每笔交易的高昂环境成本，也凸显了迫切需要减少这种影响的解决方案。

Bitcoin mining relies on the proof of work (PoW) system, where high-performance computers work to verify transactions and secure the blockchain network. This energy-intensive process generates an estimated 63 terawatt-hours (TWh) annually, comparable to the energy consumption of Poland. Given that fossil fuels remain a primary electricity source in many mining regions, this energy use translates directly into greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global climate change. Notably, these emissions are on par with the annual output of entire nations.

比特币挖矿依赖于工作量证明（PoW）系统，其中高性能计算机负责验证交易并保护区块链网络。这一能源密集型过程每年估计产生 63 太瓦时 (TWh)，相当于波兰的能源消耗量。鉴于化石燃料仍然是许多矿区的主要电力来源，这种能源使用直接转化为温室气体排放，导致全球气候变化。值得注意的是，这些排放量相当于整个国家的年产出。

The study's findings reveal that the United States is responsible for nearly 46 per cent of global bitcoin mining emissions, producing an estimated 15.1 million metric tons of CO₂ annually. Despite regulatory efforts, China remains a major player, both as a significant emitter of bitcoin mining and as a top producer and supplier of bitcoin mining equipment. Kazakhstan and China also contribute substantially, accounting for 20 per cent and 13 per cent of total mining emissions, respectively.

研究结果显示，美国的比特币挖矿排放量占全球的近 46%，估计每年产生 1,510 万吨二氧化碳。尽管采取了监管措施，中国仍然是一个主要参与者，既是比特币挖矿的重要排放国，又是比特币挖矿设备的最大生产商和供应商。哈萨克斯坦和中国也做出了巨大贡献，分别占采矿业排放总量的 20% 和 13%。

Due to emissions embodied in the global supply chains of bitcoin mining, regional emission reduction efforts alone may not be sufficient. For example, despite its clean energy grid, Norway faces indirect emissions from bitcoin mining. Around 74 per cent of Norway’s mining-related emissions stem from imported equipment manufactured in regions like China, where carbon-intensive energy sources are prevalent. This highlights the need for mitigation strategies that extend beyond national borders, considering emissions embedded in global trade and supply chains. Additionally, the findings underscore the urgency of shifting away from coal-powered electricity generation, a primary source of greenhouse gases.

由于比特币挖矿的全球供应链所体现的排放，仅靠区域减排努力可能还不够。例如，尽管挪威拥有清洁能源网络，但仍面临比特币开采带来的间接排放。挪威大约 74% 的采矿相关排放量来自中国等碳密集型能源盛行地区制造的进口设备。这凸显了考虑到全球贸易和供应链中嵌入的排放，需要超越国界的缓解战略。此外，研究结果强调了放弃燃煤发电的紧迫性，燃煤发电是温室气体的主要来源。

Bitcoin's energy demands exemplify a broader trend among emerging technologies. Advanced artificial intelligence models, for instance, also require vast computational resources during development and operation. As these technologies expand, so too will their carbon footprint, necessitating sustainable approaches across digital sectors. If left unchecked, the energy requirements of these innovations could pose further challenges to global climate mitigation efforts.

比特币的能源需求体现了新兴技术中更广泛的趋势。例如，先进的人工智能模型在开发和运行过程中也需要大量的计算资源。随着这些技术的扩展，它们的碳足迹也会随之增加，因此需要在数字领域采取可持续的方法。如果不加以控制，这些创新的能源需求可能会对全球减缓气候变化的努力构成进一步的挑战。

To mitigate these impacts, mining operations could be powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, to drastically reduce emissions. Policymakers could incentivise or require mining hubs to rely on clean energy, especially in regions with abundant renewable resources.

为了减轻这些影响，采矿作业可以由太阳能或风能等可再生能源提供动力，以大幅减少排放。政策制定者可以激励或要求采矿中心依赖清洁能源，特别是在可再生资源丰富的地区。

Furthermore, exploring methods for implementing a carbon tax could help reduce the growing emissions from bitcoin mining. While the decentralised and largely unregulated nature of cryptocurrencies poses challenges to the regulation of carbon taxes, innovative solutions within the crypto space are possible. For example, blockchain technology could be utilised to help lower mining-related carbon emissions.

此外，探索实施碳税的方法可能有助于减少比特币挖矿不断增长的排放量。虽然加密货币的去中心化和很大程度上不受监管的性质对碳税监管提出了挑战，但加密领域内的创新解决方案是可能的。例如，区块链技术可用于帮助降低与采矿相关的碳排放。

Tackling emissions associated with bitcoin's entire supply chain is essential. This includes considering the carbon footprint of manufacturing and transporting mining equipment. Transparency in carbon accounting, especially for indirect, so-called Scope 3, emissions could help hold mining operations accountable for both direct and indirect emissions.

解决与比特币整个供应链相关的排放问题至关重要。这包括考虑制造和运输采矿设备的碳足迹。碳核算的透明度，特别是间接（即所谓的范围 3）排放量，可以帮助采矿作业对直接和间接排放负责。

To reduce the reliance on energy-intensive proof of work systems, the industry could consider adopting alternative consensus mechanisms like proof of stake (PoS), which has a significantly lower energy requirement, offering a viable path toward sustainable digital currency models. However, this is not a simple solution, as various consensus mechanisms can impact bitcoin’s value as a decentralised and trustless financial asset, presenting a challenge often referred to as the blockchain trilemma.

为了减少对能源密集型工作量证明系统的依赖，业界可以考虑采用股权证明（PoS）等替代共识机制，其能源需求显着降低，为可持续数字货币模型提供了一条可行的路径。然而，这不是一个简单的解决方案，因为各种共识机制可能会影响比特币作为去中心化和无需信任的金融资产的价值，从而带来通常被称为区块链三难困境的挑战。

Although bitcoin's carbon emissions are concerning, the global financial system's energy demands in hubs like New York, London and Tokyo are also substantial, relying on energy-intensive servers and supercomputers for transaction processing. Therefore, strategies such as improving data centre efficiency, using renewable energy and advancing cloud computing can help reduce emissions from emerging digital technologies. Yet, as financial transactions grow, finding sustainable ways to reduce the sector's environmental impact remains a pressing challenge.

尽管比特币的碳排放令人担忧，但纽约、伦敦和东京等中心的全球金融体系的能源需求也很大，依赖能源密集型服务器和超级计算机进行交易处理。因此，提高数据中心效率、使用可再生能源和推进云计算等策略有助于减少新兴数字技术的排放。然而，随着金融交易的增长，寻找可持续的方法来减少该行业对环境的影响仍然是一个紧迫的挑战。

There is an urgent need to address bitcoin mining's carbon footprint, not only for cryptocurrency but as a blueprint for managing the environmental impact of digital technologies, including AI as well as the financial sector at large. With coordinated action, the cryptocurrency sector can become a model of sustainability, striking a balance between innovation and environmental responsibility. Addressing bitcoin's emissions, along with those of other emerging technologies, will be critical as we strive to meet global climate targets and mitigate the risks of climate change.

迫切需要解决比特币采矿的碳足迹，不仅是为了加密货币，而且作为管理数字技术（包括人工智能以及整个金融部门）环境影响的蓝图。通过协调行动，加密货币行业可以成为可持续发展的典范，在创新和环境责任之间取得平衡。在我们努力实现全球气候目标并减轻气候变化风险的过程中，解决比特币以及其他新兴技术的排放问题至关重要。