Ripple Did Not Fund Anti-Bitcoin Campaign, Larsen Says
Emily HarrisRipple itself did not fund the infamous ad campaign that was targeting Bitcoin mining, according to co-founder Chris Larsen[...]
Ripple Co-Founder Clarifies Position on Bitcoin's Energy Transition
Chris Larsen, co-founder of enterprise blockchain company Ripple, has addressed the controversial "Change the Code" campaign he previously supported alongside Greenpeace. In his latest statement, Larsen recognized significant progress by the Bitcoin network in adopting more sustainable energy sources.
A recent University of Cambridge study shows Bitcoin mining now primarily uses renewable energy sources including hydropower, nuclear, and wind power. The network has also effectively utilized flared gas—energy that would otherwise go to waste—to power transactions.
Ripple's donation of the "Satoshi Skull" statue to the world's largest Bitcoin museum drew criticism from the Bitcoin community. Larsen's statement appears to be an olive branch, acknowledging Bitcoin's environmental improvements while attempting to ease tensions.
Notably, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has previously called Bitcoin's proof-of-work mining "a massive waste." While Larsen's comments suggest a more conciliatory tone, the original "Change the Code" website remains active, leaving some uncertainty about Ripple's official position on Bitcoin's energy use.
