KPMG has released a report on Bitcoin and ESG (environment, social and governance) issues. The professional services firm, one of the world’s Big Four, found that Bitcoin “appears to provide a number of benefits across an ESG framework.”
Looking at each component of ESG separately, the report noted that emissions is a more significant indicator of environmental damage than energy usage. It contextualized Bitcoin (BTC) emissions in relation to those of other sources that ranged from tobacco to tourism and found it was the second smallest contributor behind “Video (US).” It concluded:
“Bitcoin’s emissions may be lower than often discussed.”
The report repeated common strategies for improving Bitcoin’s carbon footprint, such as using more renewable energy and energy produced from methane for mining.
BREAKING: KPMG, one of the ‘top 4’ largest accounting firms in the world acknowledges the positive impacts #Bitcoin can have on the environment. pic.twitter.com/LjxvELm3yg
— Dennis Porter (@Dennis_Porter_) August 1, 2023
Bitcoin’s contribution to money laundering is tiny compared to the total; money laundering accounts for 2-5% of world GDP, the report said, citing United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime statistics, while it accounts for just 0.24% of Bitcoin transactions, per Elliptic. It also noted that laundered money was…
