Cripto Sustentable: ¿un oxímoron? Posibilidades de la tecnología blockchain de sobrevivir a la crisis socioambiental

Abstract

The digitalization of everything, a cornerstone of the solutions promoted by mainstream thinking to address the socio-environmental crisis, is at least questionable. This is because, if fossil fuels are used to generate electricity, it accelerates climate change. On the other hand, relying on renewable energies for electricity production presents challenges related to space, metals, and network stability, making "super-digitalization" difficult to achieve.

In this context, the aim of this essay is to analyze the advancements of blockchain technology in relation to its effects on the environmental crisis, the energy demand of the primary consensus algorithm, proof of work, and primarily, the possibilities of replacing it with more efficient alternatives.

To achieve this, a qualitative methodology was employed based on the analysis of bibliographic and documentary information. The main outcome of this study leads to the conclusion that the key to ensuring the continuity of this technology over time in the face of the new energy situation appears to depend exclusively on the social actors it can empower. This could contribute to the creation of a post-fossil society if it manages to escape the logic of capital and financial valorization.