A recent report from the International Monetary Fund claiming increased carbon emissions due to the use of AI and cryptocurrencies has drawn a rebuttal from Bitcoin advocate Daniel Batten.
The report suggests that regulators should impose a “crypto carbon” tax due to the alleged environmental impact of Bitcoin (BTC) mining.
Batten argued that the report is based on flawed comparisons and outdated data, going on to criticize the IMF’s use of a “guilt by association” technique, equating the carbon footprint of Bitcoin mining with that of AI data centers without contemporary evidence.
Batten points out that Bitcoin mining, unlike AI data centers, has been shown to have a net decarbonizing effect on energy grids, citing studies that highlight these differences.
Bitcoin Mining Emissions
Batten also took issue with the IMF’s use of discredited sources and hypothetical models, which he said misrepresent the true environmental impact of Bitcoin mining.
According to Batten, independent data reveals that Bitcoin’s share of global electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions will decline by 2027, contrary to IMF projections.
In his tweet, the human rights advocate called for more honest and accurate research, highlighting the growing scientific consensus that Bitcoin mining has significant environmental benefits. Batten warns that the IMF report, as written, is misleading and not a reliable resource for policymakers.
