ESG analyst calls Digiconomist ‘Patient Zero’ for Bitcoin FUD

Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC) environmentalist Daniel Batten has labeled Digiconomist founder Alex de Vries as the “patient zero” of misinformation regarding Bitcoin's environmental impact. 

In a recent discussion, Batten asserted that a 2018 commentary by de Vries initiated a wave of misleading narratives about Bitcoin's energy consumption. 

“We found patient zero,” he stated, referencing the significant influence of de Vries' work on subsequent discussions about Bitcoin's environmental footprint.

Batten specifically criticised a May 2018 report titled “Bitcoin’s Growing Energy Problem,” which he claims has been widely cited in energy-related news and academic commentary. 

He pointed out that this has led to what he terms “Bitcoin gaslighting” in mainstream media, resulting in widespread misinformation about the cryptocurrency's environmental effects. 

Despite the negative perceptions, Batten noted that 13 of the last 15 academic papers support the environmental benefits of Bitcoin. 

Digiconomist claims that Bitcoin mining has produced approximately 40.97 kilotonnes of electronic waste over the past year, with an average of 230.1 grams of waste generated per transaction. 

“Bitcoin energy use does not come from its transactions,” argues Batten, stating that the metric used to assess energy consumption per transaction is fundamentally flawed.

He emphasised that Bitcoin can scale transaction volume without increasing emissions, a point supported by various academic studies that have debunked de Vries' methodology. 

Batten also highlighted a shift in media coverage, noting that 96% of mainstream outlets are no longer promoting negative narratives about Bitcoin's environmental impact. 

He mentioned reputable sources like Reuters and Forbes have begun recognising Bitcoin’s potential benefits. 

Despite these advancements, Batten acknowledged that further education is necessary for broader acceptance of Bitcoin mining as part of climate action initiatives. 

He concluded that while progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to correct misconceptions surrounding Bitcoin and its environmental implications.

At the time of reporting, the Bitcoin price was $100,278.