A recent study suggests that every Bitcoin transaction uses an alarming amount of water, equivalent to filling a backyard swimming pool. This is approximately six million times more water than a typical credit card transaction. The reason for this excessive water usage is the power and cooling required for the millions of computers worldwide that support Bitcoin. Unfortunately, this comes at a time when many regions are already facing water shortages, with an estimated three billion people experiencing water scarcity. The situation is expected to worsen due to climate change.

According to the study, Bitcoin consumed nearly 1,600 billion liters of water in 2021, and this figure could exceed 2,200 billion liters by 2023. The main reason for Bitcoin’s high water consumption is its reliance on a significant amount of computing power, which in turn requires substantial electricity. Bitcoin’s electricity usage is comparable to that of an entire country like Poland. Water is used to cool the power plants that generate electricity, including gas, coal-fired, and hydroelectric plants. Additionally, water is used to cool the computers involved in Bitcoin transactions.

The study’s author, Alex de Vries, argues that Bitcoin does not need to use such a vast amount of water. He points out that the energy-intensive process at the core of Bitcoin, known as “Bitcoin mining,” is the main culprit. Miners compete against each other to audit transactions and earn Bitcoin, resulting in multiple powerful computers working on the same transaction simultaneously. This process generates an enormous number of guesses every second, consuming significant amounts of electricity and water.

To reduce electricity usage and water consumption, a change in the way Bitcoin operates is necessary. The cryptocurrency Ethereum has already made this change by adopting a system called “proof of stake,” which significantly reduced its power usage by over 99%. However, implementing a similar change in Bitcoin may not be straightforward due to its decentralized nature.

The findings of this research have raised concerns among experts. Dr. Larisa Yarovaya, an associate professor of finance, believes that the use of freshwater for Bitcoin mining, especially in regions already struggling with water scarcity, should be a cause for concern for regulators and the public. It is crucial to address the environmental impact of Bitcoin and explore more sustainable alternatives to ensure the responsible use of resources in the future.

Original news source: Every Bitcoin payment ‘uses a swimming pool of water’ (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a few minutes to read the article. Then, ask them to summarize the main points of the article in a news headline or a short news summary. Have each group share their summary with the class, and discuss any differences or similarities in their understanding of the article.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Prepare a list of discussion questions related to the article (e.g., “Do you think Bitcoin’s high water consumption is a cause for concern? Why or why not?”). Have the students discuss the questions in pairs or small groups, and then conduct an opinion poll to see how the class as a whole feels about each question. Encourage the students to justify their opinions with evidence from the article.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Select key vocabulary words from the article (e.g., Bitcoin, water scarcity, mining) and write them on individual index cards. Divide the class into teams and give each team a set of vocabulary cards. One student from each team will come to the front of the class and choose a card. Without speaking, they must draw a picture to represent the word on the card, while their team tries to guess the word. The team that guesses the most words correctly wins.

– Speed Summarizing
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs. Give each pair a copy of the article. Set a timer for 3 minutes. Students must take turns summarizing the article to their partner within the time limit. After 3 minutes, have the pairs switch roles and summarize the article again. Encourage the students to focus on the main points and key details of the article.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions: Divide the class into two groups: one group will discuss the pros of Bitcoin’s high water consumption, and the other group will discuss the cons. Give each group a few minutes to brainstorm their arguments, and then have a debate where each group presents their points and counters the arguments of the other group. Encourage the students to use evidence from the article to support their claims.

Comprehension Questions:

1. How does the water usage of a Bitcoin transaction compare to that of a typical credit card transaction?
2. What is the main reason for Bitcoin’s high water consumption?
3. How much water did Bitcoin consume in 2021, according to the study?
4. What is the main culprit for Bitcoin’s excessive water usage, according to the study’s author?
5. How has the cryptocurrency Ethereum reduced its power usage?
6. Why might implementing a similar change in Bitcoin be challenging?
7. What concerns do experts have about the use of freshwater for Bitcoin mining?
8. Why is it important to address the environmental impact of Bitcoin and explore sustainable alternatives?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A recent study suggests that every Bitcoin transaction uses an alarming amount of water, equivalent to filling a backyard (1)______ pool. This is approximately six million times more water than a typical (2)______ card transaction. The reason for this excessive water usage is the power and cooling required for the millions of computers worldwide that (3)______ Bitcoin. Unfortunately, this comes at a time when many regions are already facing water shortages, with an estimated three billion people experiencing water scarcity. The (4)______ is expected to worsen due to climate change.

According to the study, Bitcoin consumed nearly 1,600 billion liters of water in 2021, and this figure could (5)______ 2,200 billion liters by 2023. The main reason for Bitcoin’s high water consumption is its (6)______ on a significant amount of (7)______ power, which in turn (8)______ substantial electricity. Bitcoin’s electricity usage is comparable to that of an entire country like Poland. Water is used to cool the power plants that generate electricity, including gas, coal-fired, and hydroelectric plants. Additionally, water is used to cool the computers involved in Bitcoin transactions.

The study’s author, Alex de Vries, argues that Bitcoin does not need to use such a vast amount of water. He points out that the energy-intensive process at the core of (9)______, known as “Bitcoin mining,” is the main culprit. Miners compete against each other to audit transactions and earn Bitcoin, resulting in multiple powerful computers working on the same transaction simultaneously. This process generates an enormous number of guesses every second, consuming (10)______ amounts of electricity and water.

To reduce electricity usage and water consumption, a change in the way Bitcoin operates is (11)______. The cryptocurrency (12)______ has already made this change by adopting a system called “proof of stake,” which significantly reduced its power usage by over 99%. However, (13)______ a similar change in Bitcoin may not be straightforward due to its decentralized nature.

The findings of this research have raised concerns among (14)______. Dr. Larisa Yarovaya, an associate professor of finance, believes that the use of freshwater for Bitcoin (15)______, especially in regions already struggling with water scarcity, should be a cause for concern for regulators and the public. It is crucial to address the environmental impact of Bitcoin and explore more (16)______ alternatives to ensure the responsible use of resources in the future.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the excessive water usage of Bitcoin transactions?
2. How would you feel if you lived in a region experiencing water scarcity and knew that Bitcoin was contributing to the problem?
3. Do you think it is fair for Bitcoin to consume such a large amount of water when many people around the world do not have access to clean water?
4. What are some potential solutions to reduce the water consumption of Bitcoin transactions?
5. How do you think the environmental impact of Bitcoin compares to other forms of currency?
6. Do you think the benefits of Bitcoin outweigh the negative environmental consequences?
7. What are some alternative cryptocurrencies that could be more environmentally friendly than Bitcoin?
8. How do you think the use of water for Bitcoin mining could impact the availability of water for agriculture and other essential uses?
9. Do you think governments should regulate the water usage of Bitcoin transactions?
10. What are some potential economic consequences of reducing the water consumption of Bitcoin?
11. How do you think the public’s perception of Bitcoin would change if they were more aware of its water usage?
12. How important do you think it is for individuals to consider the environmental impact of their financial transactions?
13. What steps could be taken to raise awareness about the water consumption of Bitcoin and encourage more sustainable alternatives?
14. How do you think the use of water for Bitcoin mining compares to other industries in terms of environmental impact?
15. Do you think the benefits of decentralized cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin outweigh the potential negative consequences for the environment? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. Bitcoin
2. water
3. transaction
4. power
5. electricity
6. change
7. mining
8. resources

Meanings:
(a) The flow of electrical energy used to power devices
(b) The energy required to perform a task or operate a system
(c) The process of exchanging goods or services
(d) Materials or substances that can be used to meet a need or achieve a goal
(e) The process of verifying and recording Bitcoin transactions
(f) A digital cryptocurrency that relies on computing power
(g) A vital natural resource used for cooling and generating electricity
(h) A modification or alteration in the way something operates
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. According to the study, how much water does a Bitcoin transaction use compared to a typical credit card transaction?
(a) Ten times more
(b) The same amount
(c) Six million times more
(d) One million times more

2. How much water did Bitcoin consume in 2021, according to the study?
(a) Nearly 1,600 billion liters
(b) 2,000 billion liters
(c) 500 billion liters
(d) 100 billion liters

3. What is the main reason for Bitcoin’s high water consumption?
(a) Its reliance on electricity
(b) Its reliance on computing power
(c) Its reliance on gas plants
(d) Its reliance on hydroelectric plants

4. What is the energy-intensive process at the core of Bitcoin called?
(a) Bitcoin auditing
(b) Bitcoin guessing
(c) Bitcoin earning
(d) Bitcoin mining

5. How much did Ethereum reduce its power usage by?
(a) Over 99%
(b) 50%
(c) 10%
(d) 75%

6. Why might implementing a change in Bitcoin’s operation be challenging?
(a) Due to its centralized nature
(b) Due to its decentralized nature
(c) Due to its reliance on coal-fired plants
(d) Due to its reliance on gas plants

7. What concerns have the findings of this research raised among experts?
(a) The use of freshwater for Bitcoin mining in regions with abundant water
(b) The use of saltwater for Bitcoin mining in regions with water scarcity
(c) The use of saltwater for Bitcoin mining in regions with abundant water
(d) The use of freshwater for Bitcoin mining in regions with water scarcity

8. What is the importance of addressing the environmental impact of Bitcoin?
(a) To increase Bitcoin’s water consumption
(b) To decrease Bitcoin’s electricity usage
(c) To ensure the responsible use of resources in the future
(d) To promote the use of credit card transactions

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. Bitcoin consumed nearly 1,600 billion liters of water in 2021, and this figure could exceed 2,200 billion liters by 2023.
2. Bitcoin’s low water consumption is primarily due to its reliance on a significant amount of computing power, which requires substantial electricity.
3. Many regions are not facing water shortages, with an estimated three billion people experiencing water scarcity.
4. The minimal water usage is due to the power and cooling required for the millions of computers worldwide that support Bitcoin.
5. Bitcoin transactions use an alarming amount of water, equivalent to filling a backyard swimming pool.
6. The energy-efficient process at the core of Bitcoin, known as “Bitcoin mining,” is the main reason for its excessive water usage.
7. The water usage in Bitcoin transactions is approximately six million times more than a typical credit card transaction.
8. Implementing a change in the way Bitcoin operates to reduce electricity usage and water consumption may not be straightforward due to its decentralized nature.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How does the water usage of a Bitcoin transaction compare to that of a typical credit card transaction?
2. What is the main reason for Bitcoin’s high water consumption?
3. What is the estimated amount of water that Bitcoin consumed in 2021?
4. What is the energy-intensive process at the core of Bitcoin called?
5. What change did the cryptocurrency Ethereum make to reduce its power usage?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. How does the water usage of a Bitcoin transaction compare to that of a typical credit card transaction?
– The water usage of a Bitcoin transaction is approximately six million times more than that of a typical credit card transaction.

2. What is the main reason for Bitcoin’s high water consumption?
– The main reason for Bitcoin’s high water consumption is the power and cooling required for the millions of computers worldwide that support Bitcoin.

3. How much water did Bitcoin consume in 2021, according to the study?
– According to the study, Bitcoin consumed nearly 1,600 billion liters of water in 2021.

4. What is the main culprit for Bitcoin’s excessive water usage, according to the study’s author?
– The main culprit for Bitcoin’s excessive water usage, according to the study’s author, is the energy-intensive process known as “Bitcoin mining.”

5. How has the cryptocurrency Ethereum reduced its power usage?
– The cryptocurrency Ethereum has reduced its power usage by adopting a system called “proof of stake,” which significantly reduced its power usage by over 99%.

6. Why might implementing a similar change in Bitcoin be challenging?
– Implementing a similar change in Bitcoin might be challenging due to its decentralized nature.

7. What concerns do experts have about the use of freshwater for Bitcoin mining?
– Experts are concerned about the use of freshwater for Bitcoin mining, especially in regions already struggling with water scarcity.

8. Why is it important to address the environmental impact of Bitcoin and explore sustainable alternatives?
– It is important to address the environmental impact of Bitcoin and explore sustainable alternatives to ensure the responsible use of resources in the future.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) swimming
(2) credit
(3) support
(4) situation
(5) exceed
(6) reliance
(7) computing
(8) requires
(9) Bitcoin
(10) significant
(11) necessary
(12) Ethereum
(13) implementing
(14) experts
(15) mining
(16) sustainable
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. Bitcoin
Answer: (f) A digital cryptocurrency that relies on computing power

2. water
Answer: (g) A vital natural resource used for cooling and generating electricity

3. transaction
Answer: (c) The process of exchanging goods or services

4. power
Answer: (b) The energy required to perform a task or operate a system

5. electricity
Answer: (a) The flow of electrical energy used to power devices

6. change
Answer: (h) A modification or alteration in the way something operates

7. mining
Answer: (e) The process of verifying and recording Bitcoin transactions

8. resources
Answer: (d) Materials or substances that can be used to meet a need or achieve a goal
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. According to the study, how much water does a Bitcoin transaction use compared to a typical credit card transaction?
Answer: (c) Six million times more

2. How much water did Bitcoin consume in 2021, according to the study?
Answer: (a) Nearly 1,600 billion liters

3. What is the main reason for Bitcoin’s high water consumption?
Answer: (b) Its reliance on computing power

4. What is the energy-intensive process at the core of Bitcoin called?
Answer: (d) Bitcoin mining

5. How much did Ethereum reduce its power usage by?
Answer: (a) Over 99%

6. Why might implementing a change in Bitcoin’s operation be challenging?
Answer: (b) Due to its decentralized nature

7. What concerns have the findings of this research raised among experts?
Answer: (d) The use of freshwater for Bitcoin mining in regions with water scarcity

8. What is the importance of addressing the environmental impact of Bitcoin?
Answer: (c) To ensure the responsible use of resources in the future
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. Bitcoin consumed nearly 1,600 billion liters of water in 2021, and this figure could exceed 2,200 billion liters by 2023. (Answer: True)
2. Bitcoin’s low water consumption is primarily due to its reliance on a significant amount of computing power, which requires substantial electricity. (Answer: False)
3. Many regions are not facing water shortages, with an estimated three billion people experiencing water scarcity. (Answer: False)
4. The minimal water usage is due to the power and cooling required for the millions of computers worldwide that support Bitcoin. (Answer: False)
5. Bitcoin transactions use an alarming amount of water, equivalent to filling a backyard swimming pool. (Answer: True)
6. The energy-efficient process at the core of Bitcoin, known as “Bitcoin mining,” is the main reason for its excessive water usage. (Answer: False)
7. The water usage in Bitcoin transactions is approximately six million times more than a typical credit card transaction. (Answer: True)
8. Implementing a change in the way Bitcoin operates to reduce electricity usage and water consumption may not be straightforward due to its decentralized nature. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧