Maria Irene

Daniel Batten, a climate activist and tech founder-turned-Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Analyst from New Zealand, recently took to Twitter to share a fascinating realization in the world of climate activism: the unique potential of Bitcoin in the fight against methane emissions.

Batten shared his journey from establishing a climate tech fund, which was initially focused on high-risk technologies with post-2030 emission reduction projections, to a surprising epiphany. He explained how his efforts were missing a critical component of the climate puzzle – methane reduction.

The United Nations has emphasized the urgent need to reduce methane emissions as the key leverage to slow down climate change. In this context, Batten pondered on the idea of shifting focus to low-risk technologies that could start reducing emissions immediately, especially targeting methane. His research unveiled that landfills are projected to be the leading methane emitter by 2032, surpassing even agriculture.

The answer to Batten’s quest for a viable solution was an unexpected one: harnessing methane from landfills to power Bitcoin mining. As it turns out, the Bitcoin miners’ thirst for cheap energy makes the cost and hassle of setting up operations at a landfill worthwhile.

Initially skeptical about Bitcoin due to its purported environmental impact, Batten’s perspective changed when a fellow environmentalist and CEO encouraged him to explore the issue more thoroughly. His research revealed a widespread misunderstanding about Bitcoin’s environmental effects among academics, politicians, and the media.

After conducting his own studies, Batten has now become a staunch advocate for Bitcoin. He believes that the cryptocurrency holds significant potential for mitigating runaway methane emissions, facilitating the transition to renewable energy, and empowering over 4 billion people with financial sovereignty.

“For the first time ever, I feel there’s something I can do beyond my own carbon footprint that could make a difference to our emission levels,” Batten tweeted, seeing Bitcoin as an effective climate action tool.

Batten’s evolution from Bitcoin skeptic to advocate, and his pioneering approach to harnessing the cryptocurrency for climate action, underline the increasing convergence of environmental activism, technology, and innovative finance. His journey also underscores the critical need for a more nuanced understanding of Bitcoin’s environmental impact and its potential role in the climate battle.

In an era where environmental, social, and corporate governance considerations are becoming integral to investment decisions, Batten’s Twitter thread serves as a critical reminder to look beyond conventional wisdom and explore unorthodox solutions to pressing global challenges. As we grapple with climate change, perhaps landfill-fuelled Bitcoin mining will be part of the toolkit for a more sustainable future.