China’s recent measures against bitcoin are notable because they are, in part, motivated by environmental worries.
Before the recent crackdown, bitcoin mining in China was expected to generate more carbon emissions than countries such as the Philippines or the Czech Republic. Credit: Marko Ahtisaari via Creative Commons
Bitcoin advocates have long predicted the cryptocurrency’s rise would transform the world for the better. Twelve years on from its emergence, critics say the process of creating bitcoin is now doing quite the opposite — namely, endangering the world with its environmental impact.
The issue has come to a head in China, which is home to nearly two-thirds of the world’s bitcoin mining, according to data for last year from the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance. In recent weeks, China
Exclusive longform investigative journalism, Q&As, news and analysis, and data on Chinese business elites and corporations. We publish China scoops you won't find anywhere else.
A weekly curated reading list on China from Andrew Peaple.
A daily roundup of China finance, business and economics headlines.
We offer discounts for groups, institutions and students. Go to our Subscriptions page for details.
Walmart should be in trouble in China, where its competitors are in retreat and its sourcing operations have been criticised by both Beijing and Washington. But the American retailer seems to have found a way forward in a difficult sector and remains one of the biggest benefactors of China-U.S. trade.
The Commerce Department wants to expand export controls to majority-owned subsidiaries of Chinese companies. That could trigger cascading effects — and challenges.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy policy
