Longtime comedian and television host Bill Maher is no stranger to controversy, frequently sparking backlash from various groups, including Democrats, Republicans, and Gen Z. Now, he has added crypto enthusiasts to that list.
In a recent episode of Real Time With Bill Maher on HBO, the 68-year-old political satirist shared what he called crypto’s “big secret” while discussing climate change with political scientist Bjørn Lomborg. Maher claimed that cryptocurrency mining significantly impacts the environment, stating, “All the progress we’re making with green energy is being sucked away by crypto.” He asserted that crypto uses “8% of total electricity,” comparing its consumption to “putting 15.7 million additional gas-powered cars on the road.”
These comments ignited immediate backlash from industry leaders, including Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, who accused Maher of spreading misleading information regarding the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining. Armstrong pointed out that Maher’s figures lacked credible sources and were inconsistent with current data.
Following the segment, social media erupted with criticism of Maher’s claims. Many users highlighted that his assertion about crypto’s electricity consumption is “factually incorrect,” linking studies that indicate the real figure is closer to 0.49%. Users on X (formerly Twitter) utilized community notes to fact-check Maher’s statements, noting that Ethereum and other major cryptocurrencies have transitioned to more energy-efficient proof-of-stake systems, as opposed to the energy-intensive proof-of-work model used by Bitcoin.
Industry leaders were quick to correct Maher’s assertions. Armstrong labeled Maher’s comments a “rare miss,” urging him to dig deeper into the subject to avoid spreading misinformation. He extended an invitation for Maher to discuss the matter further, emphasizing the importance of accurate information in public discourse.
Bob Burnett, CEO of Barefoot Mining and a self-proclaimed “Bitcoin evangelist,” stated, “Your figures on Bitcoin mining and its electricity consumption and its impact on green energy are grossly wrong,” offering to discuss the facts with Maher or his staff.
Daniel Batten, a Bitcoin advocate and venture capitalist, ridiculed Maher’s outdated perspective, suggesting he was still stuck in 2021. Batten shared charts illustrating how Bitcoin’s energy consumption has become increasingly sustainable, asserting that Bitcoin now utilizes over 56% renewable energy.
As the backlash against Maher continues, the incident underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the environmental impact of cryptocurrency and highlights the need for accurate information in discussions about emerging technologies.
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