Cryptocurrency

Following a period of "crypto winter" from 2022 to 2023, a time when Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were valued much lower than previously, investments in cryptocurrency funds are again growing as the 2025 Trump administration signals support for this sector. This has prompted a renewed focus on crypto regulations in countries around the world, largely surrounding consumer protections.

But crypto comes with significant environmental and other impacts. Crypto mining, or the creation and validation of new crypto coins through solving complex mathematical equations, uses enormous amounts of energy and water (for cooling). Mining bitcoin takes an estimated 160 TWh of electricity annually, comparable to the yearly energy usage of Poland. Minimal labor requirements in crypto mining mean it doesn't generate new jobs for the region. Residents further lose out on cheap energy prices and must turn to more expensive options to avoid grid overload, and the noise generated by these facilities can impact local quality of life. Planners should be prepared to address the potential impacts of crypto mining if this use comes to their communities.