Crypto’s Dark Side: Blackouts and Bitcoin’s Mainstream Shift

Explore the hidden costs of illegal crypto mining causing blackouts in Tehran and the surprising transformation of Bitcoin from a fringe asset to a mainstream financial tool. Delve into the socio-economic and environmental impacts of cryptocurrency, the challenges of sustainable mining, and the evolving role of Bitcoin in global finance. This episode offers a comprehensive look at the intersection of technology, energy policy, and economic change, providing insights into the future of digital currencies.

Sources:
https://www.thecooldown.com/green-business/tehran-rolling-blackouts-cryptocurrency-mining-iran/
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/12/how-bitcoin-became-boring/681141/
https://www.scmp.com/tech/blockchain/article/3291994/bitcoin-records-first-weekly-decline-donald-trumps-us-election-victory
https://theafricalogistics.com/blog/blockchain-revolution-how-cryptocurrency-is-transforming-global-logistics/

Outline:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:39) Illegal crypto mining suspected of causing rolling blackouts in major city: 'They [spread out] to avoid being detected'
(00:03:17) How Bitcoin Became Boring
(00:06:33) Bitcoin records first weekly decline since Donald Trump’s US election victory
(00:08:57) Blockchain Revolution: How Cryptocurrency is Transforming Global Logistics