Blockchain Goes Green: Exploring Eco-Friendly Changes

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing the way we handle transactions and data. It's like a digital ledger spread across many computers, making it secure and transparent. But some blockchains, like Bitcoin, use a lot of energy, which is a big concern for the environment. Bitcoin alone uses about 100 terawatt-hours of energy each year, contributing to global carbon emissions. This high energy use is not just bad for the planet, but it also threatens the future of the blockchain industry. Researchers studied articles from eight trusted databases between 2017 and August 2023 to understand how blockchain can be made more sustainable. They looked at ways to reduce the environmental impact while keeping the benefits of efficiency and security. The survey found that while sustainable blockchains are possible, there are challenges and limits to making this happen. One key takeaway is that sustainable blockchains can help us track and verify environmentally friendly practices. This could help us move towards a low-carbon economy. The study also pointed out important research challenges and provided a roadmap for future work in this area.