Solana’s environmental impact is a frequently debated topic in the crypto space. The Solana Foundation actively pursues carbon neutrality, a commendable goal. Their strategy involves offsetting the network’s carbon footprint through purchasing carbon credits, aiming to match or exceed the yearly emissions.
Solana’s 2025 Footprint: The reported carbon footprint for the Solana network in 2025 was approximately 12,899 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂). This figure is relatively low compared to some other proof-of-work blockchains, but it’s crucial to remember that this metric is based on offsetting, not inherent energy efficiency.
Understanding the Offset Approach: Carbon offsetting involves investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions elsewhere to compensate for emissions generated by the Solana network. The effectiveness and transparency of these offsetting projects are key factors to consider. Critics often question the long-term viability and environmental integrity of carbon offset markets, raising concerns about the true environmental impact of this approach.
Factors Affecting Solana’s Energy Consumption: Several factors contribute to Solana’s energy consumption:
- Validator Nodes: The energy used by validators to run nodes and participate in network consensus significantly contributes to the overall footprint.
- Transaction Volume: Higher transaction volumes inherently increase energy consumption.
- Hardware Efficiency: The energy efficiency of the hardware used by validators directly impacts the network’s energy footprint.
Comparison to Other Blockchains: While Solana’s reported footprint is lower than many proof-of-work blockchains, direct comparisons are complex. Different methodologies are used for calculating carbon footprints, making precise comparisons challenging. It’s essential to consider the entire lifecycle of the blockchain, including manufacturing and disposal of hardware, when evaluating its environmental impact.
Future Considerations: The Solana Foundation’s commitment to carbon neutrality is positive, but ongoing transparency and accountability are vital. Further research and development into more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms and hardware could drastically reduce Solana’s environmental footprint in the future. Regular audits of the offsetting program and publicly available data on energy consumption are essential for maintaining trust and demonstrating genuine commitment to sustainability.
What is the carbon footprint of Solana?
Solana’s carbon footprint, totaling 4,392.9 tCO2 over six months (April 1st – September 30th, 2025), annualizes to a significant 8,785.8 tCO2. That’s a substantial figure, but context is key. Compare that to other Layer-1 blockchains; many consume far more energy. Solana’s relatively low footprint is largely attributed to its Proof-of-History consensus mechanism, a more energy-efficient alternative to Proof-of-Work. However, this figure is still subject to fluctuations depending on network activity and validator node hardware. It’s crucial to remember that this metric is constantly evolving as Solana’s infrastructure scales and its technology improves. While the current footprint is relatively modest compared to some competitors, continuous monitoring and optimization efforts are vital for long-term sustainability.
What is the environmental footprint of crypto?
The environmental impact of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, is a complex and evolving issue. While Bitcoin mining’s energy consumption is undeniably high, attributing a precise carbon footprint is challenging due to several factors. The percentage of renewable energy used in mining varies significantly geographically, and data transparency remains an ongoing challenge. Claims about the percentage of fossil fuel-based electricity used are often based on estimates and can fluctuate. Furthermore, the energy intensity of Bitcoin mining is influenced by the hash rate (the computational power dedicated to securing the network) and the price of Bitcoin. A higher price generally attracts more miners, increasing energy consumption, while a lower price can lead to a reduction in mining activity and energy use. Beyond Bitcoin, various other cryptocurrencies utilize different consensus mechanisms, such as Proof-of-Stake (PoS), which generally consume significantly less energy than Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism. PoS networks validate transactions based on the stake held by validators, thereby reducing the need for extensive computational power. The overall environmental footprint of the entire cryptocurrency ecosystem is therefore not solely defined by Bitcoin’s energy consumption but depends on the market share and energy efficiency of all existing and future cryptocurrencies. The ongoing development and implementation of more energy-efficient consensus mechanisms and the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources within the mining industry contribute to a continuously changing environmental impact.
Does Solana use a lot of energy?
Solana’s energy consumption is significantly lower than proof-of-work blockchains like Bitcoin or Ethereum (before the Merge). This is a direct result of its innovative proof-of-stake (PoS) consensus mechanism. PoS requires far less computational power for transaction validation, leading to drastically reduced energy usage and a smaller carbon footprint.
Key factors contributing to Solana’s energy efficiency:
Reduced computational demands: PoS eliminates the need for energy-intensive mining operations. Validators, who stake SOL tokens, are selected to validate transactions, consuming far less energy than miners solving complex cryptographic puzzles.
High transaction throughput: Solana’s architecture allows for a high number of transactions per second, meaning each transaction consumes proportionally less energy compared to networks processing fewer transactions.
Optimized network design: Solana’s unique consensus mechanism and network architecture are engineered for efficiency, minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure.
However, it’s crucial to note that: While Solana uses significantly less energy than PoW networks, its energy consumption isn’t zero. The overall energy usage is still dependent on factors like network activity, validator hardware, and network infrastructure.
Comparing energy consumption across blockchains remains complex and requires careful consideration of various metrics. While Solana boasts impressive energy efficiency compared to many other networks, ongoing research and independent audits are necessary to provide precise and reliable energy consumption figures.
What is the downfall of Solana?
Solana’s susceptibility to network instability and centralization is a significant concern. While the February incident involving the Libra memecoin, which briefly achieved a $4 billion market cap before a dramatic 80% crash within an hour after being promoted by Argentina’s President Milei, highlighted the network’s vulnerability to hype-driven speculation, it’s not the sole downfall. The speed of transactions, often touted as an advantage, is achieved through a unique proof-of-history mechanism that has faced criticism regarding its security and decentralization. This mechanism, while efficient, centralizes validation to a greater extent than other consensus mechanisms like proof-of-stake, leaving it potentially vulnerable to various attacks and single points of failure. Furthermore, the frequent network outages and slowdowns have eroded user trust and hindered adoption. The relatively small number of validators compared to larger networks also raises concerns about the long-term decentralization and resilience of the Solana ecosystem. The Libra incident exemplified how easily rapid price fluctuations can destabilize the network and showcase a lack of robust mechanisms to protect against such volatility, pointing to a broader maturity gap in comparison to more established blockchains.
Why is Solana doing better than Cardano?
Solana’s superior performance stems from its innovative architecture. Unlike Cardano’s Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanism, Solana utilizes a unique hybrid approach combining Proof-of-History (PoH) with PoS. This allows for significantly faster transaction speeds, boasting 65,000+ transactions per second (TPS) compared to Cardano’s considerably lower throughput.
This translates to a tangible user experience: Solana’s average transaction fees hover around a mere $0.00025, a stark contrast to Cardano’s often higher costs. This low cost, combined with high speed, fuels greater accessibility and adoption.
The impact of this speed and affordability is evident in several key areas:
- DeFi Ecosystem: Solana’s DeFi sector is booming, hosting over 100 active protocols, providing a rich and diverse range of decentralized financial services. Cardano, while growing, currently lags behind with approximately 15 protocols.
- Network Adoption: Solana’s superior performance has driven faster network growth and a higher number of daily active users, indicating stronger community engagement and real-world usage.
However, it’s crucial to acknowledge potential drawbacks: While Solana’s speed is impressive, its network has experienced periods of instability in the past, raising concerns about scalability and long-term reliability. Cardano, prioritizing a more robust and decentralized approach, might offer greater stability, though at the cost of speed and lower transaction throughput. The choice between Solana and Cardano depends ultimately on prioritizing speed and cost versus decentralization and stability.
In summary: Solana’s advantage lies in its significantly faster transaction speeds and lower fees, leading to a more vibrant DeFi ecosystem and broader adoption. Yet, potential network instability remains a factor to consider.
What is the carbon footprint of Solana vs Ethereum?
Solana boasts significantly lower energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint compared to Ethereum. This is largely due to Solana’s innovative Proof-of-History (PoH) consensus mechanism, which drastically reduces the computational power needed for transaction validation, unlike Ethereum’s energy-intensive Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism. This translates to substantially cheaper transaction fees and a far more environmentally friendly operation.
While Ethereum is transitioning to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) to improve its energy efficiency, Solana’s PoH already delivers superior performance in this aspect. This makes Solana a compelling choice for environmentally conscious investors seeking high transaction throughput and low fees. The lower energy consumption contributes to a smaller environmental impact and potentially lower regulatory scrutiny in the future. It’s important to note that carbon footprint calculations for cryptocurrencies can vary based on methodology and data sources, so it’s crucial to consult multiple, credible reports for a comprehensive understanding.
Is Solana more efficient than Ethereum?
The efficiency debate between Solana and Ethereum is complex. While Ethereum’s shift to Proof-of-Stake (PoS) is a significant improvement over its previous Proof-of-Work (PoW) mechanism, resulting in lower energy consumption and increased transaction throughput (around 30,000 TPS), Solana’s claim of superior speed is partly due to its unique Proof-of-History (PoH) consensus mechanism. This allows Solana to boast significantly higher transaction speeds, exceeding 2,000 transactions per second, far outpacing Ethereum’s current capabilities and rendering the Bitcoin network practically glacial in comparison. However, speed isn’t the only metric. Solana’s PoH, while fast, has faced criticism regarding decentralization and censorship resistance compared to Ethereum’s more established and widely-vetted PoS. Ethereum’s robust ecosystem, vast developer community, and established DeFi dominance are significant factors often overlooked in purely transactional speed comparisons. The choice between Solana and Ethereum depends heavily on your priorities; high throughput for specific applications versus a mature, decentralized ecosystem with proven resilience.
Does Solana have an ecosystem?
Absolutely! Solana boasts a thriving ecosystem, often compared to Ethereum’s, though it’s carving its own path. Its speed and low transaction fees are key differentiators.
Key aspects of Solana’s ecosystem:
- Rapid Growth: Solana’s ecosystem is exploding with new projects and dApps launching regularly. This rapid growth attracts developers and investors alike.
- DeFi (Decentralized Finance): Solana has become a major player in DeFi, hosting numerous lending, borrowing, and trading protocols. Think Serum, Raydium, and others offering innovative financial services.
- NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens): The Solana blockchain is also a popular platform for NFTs, with marketplaces and projects offering unique digital collectibles.
- Gaming: Solana is increasingly attracting game developers thanks to its scalability and speed, enabling seamless in-game transactions and experiences.
- Strong Developer Community: A vibrant and growing community of developers actively contributes to Solana’s ecosystem, building new tools and applications.
Comparison to Ethereum: While often compared to Ethereum, Solana offers advantages in transaction speed and cost. Ethereum’s established dominance and broader maturity remain significant factors, however. Solana is a compelling alternative for projects requiring higher throughput and lower fees.
Potential Risks: Like any emerging technology, Solana faces challenges. Network outages have occurred in the past, highlighting the need for further scalability and stability improvements. Always conduct thorough research before investing.
Why is crypto not environmentally friendly?
Cryptocurrency, especially Bitcoin, is often criticized for its high energy consumption. This is mainly because many cryptocurrencies use a system called “proof-of-work” (PoW).
Proof-of-work requires powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems to verify transactions and add new blocks to the blockchain. This process, called mining, is incredibly energy-intensive. Think of it like a global lottery where miners compete to solve the problem first, consuming massive amounts of electricity in the process.
The environmental impact comes from the electricity needed for mining. This electricity often comes from fossil fuel sources, leading to significant carbon emissions. Bitcoin’s energy consumption is frequently compared to that of entire countries!
However, not all cryptocurrencies are created equal. Some newer cryptocurrencies, like Ethereum (after its merge), use a different system called “proof-of-stake” (PoS).
Proof-of-stake is far more energy-efficient. Instead of competing to solve complex problems, validators are chosen based on how many coins they “stake” (hold). This significantly reduces the energy required for transaction verification.
Several factors influence a cryptocurrency’s energy consumption:
- Transaction volume: More transactions mean more computational power is needed.
- Hash rate: The hash rate is a measure of the computing power dedicated to mining. A higher hash rate generally means higher energy consumption.
- Mining difficulty: As more miners join the network, the difficulty of solving the mathematical problems increases, requiring even more energy.
- Cooling requirements: Mining hardware generates a lot of heat, requiring substantial cooling systems which also consume energy.
Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing the environmental footprint of different cryptocurrencies. While some are undeniably energy-intensive, others are actively working to become more sustainable.
Is blockchain bad for the environment?
The environmental impact of blockchain technology is a complex issue. While blockchain itself is a neutral technology, its applications, especially cryptocurrencies, can be incredibly energy-intensive. Bitcoin, for example, relies on a proof-of-work consensus mechanism that requires massive computational power, leading to significant electricity consumption and substantial greenhouse gas emissions.
This high energy demand stems from the need to secure the network and validate transactions. The process involves miners competing to solve complex cryptographic problems, consuming vast amounts of electricity in the process. The energy source used for mining also plays a crucial role, with reliance on fossil fuels exacerbating the environmental problem.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. Alternative consensus mechanisms, such as proof-of-stake, are emerging as more energy-efficient solutions. Proof-of-stake requires significantly less computational power, drastically reducing energy consumption and environmental impact. Moreover, the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources for blockchain operations is further mitigating the environmental concerns.
The environmental footprint of blockchain varies greatly depending on the specific implementation and the underlying consensus mechanism. While some applications remain highly energy-intensive, ongoing innovations and a shift towards sustainable practices offer a path toward a more environmentally friendly future for blockchain technology.
Furthermore, the overall energy consumption of a blockchain network is also influenced by factors like transaction volume and network efficiency. Improved scalability solutions and optimized transaction processing can contribute to reducing energy consumption.
Will Solana overtake Bitcoin?
Solana overtaking Bitcoin in market capitalization is highly improbable in the near to medium term. Bitcoin’s established network effect, first-mover advantage, and brand recognition represent insurmountable hurdles. Its trillion-dollar market cap reflects a level of trust and adoption unlikely to be replicated quickly.
However, focusing solely on market cap overlooks crucial distinctions. Solana’s strengths lie in its significantly faster transaction speeds and lower fees compared to Bitcoin. This makes it more attractive for certain applications, particularly those requiring high throughput, like decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible token (NFT) marketplaces.
Consider these factors:
- Technological Advantages: Solana’s Proof-of-History consensus mechanism, while not without its challenges, allows for considerably higher transaction speeds than Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work. This scalability advantage is a key differentiator.
- Ecosystem Development: The Solana ecosystem is vibrant, with a growing number of dApps and projects built on its blockchain. This network effect, while smaller than Bitcoin’s, is rapidly expanding and could drive future growth.
- Innovation Potential: Solana’s developers are actively working on improving the network’s performance and addressing past scalability issues. Continued innovation could further enhance its competitiveness.
- Regulatory Uncertainty: Both Bitcoin and Solana are subject to regulatory uncertainty. However, Solana’s faster transaction speeds and potential for greater integration into traditional financial systems might also lead to increased regulatory scrutiny in the future.
In summary: While surpassing Bitcoin’s market dominance is unlikely, Solana’s unique technological advantages and burgeoning ecosystem position it for substantial growth in specific niches. Its success will depend on continued technological advancement, community adoption, and the overall evolution of the cryptocurrency landscape. A more realistic goal might be to become a dominant force in specific application areas rather than a direct competitor for Bitcoin’s overall market leadership.
Will Solana be better than Ethereum?
Solana’s 2025 crash presented a compelling buying opportunity, setting the stage for a potential resurgence in 2025. However, simply bouncing back from a low point isn’t the full picture. Technically, Solana boasts superior Layer 1 capabilities compared to Ethereum. Its significantly lower transaction fees and faster transaction speeds are undeniable advantages. This efficiency stems from Solana’s innovative Proof-of-History (PoH) consensus mechanism, which complements its Proof-of-Stake (PoS) system, allowing for a higher transaction throughput than Ethereum’s PoS model. This translates to a more cost-effective and scalable platform for decentralized applications (dApps).
While Solana’s speed and cost advantages are clear, it’s crucial to acknowledge its past network instability issues. These outages, though fewer in 2025, remain a point of concern for developers and users alike. Ethereum, while slower and more expensive, enjoys a far more established ecosystem and a considerably larger, more resilient developer community. This network effect, coupled with the maturity of its ecosystem, provides Ethereum with a significant competitive edge despite Solana’s technical superiority.
The “better” blockchain ultimately depends on priorities. For developers seeking lightning-fast transaction speeds and low costs, Solana offers a compelling alternative. However, those prioritizing network stability and a robust, established ecosystem might find Ethereum a more suitable choice. The long-term success of both platforms hinges not only on their technical prowess but also on their ability to overcome challenges and adapt to evolving market demands. The narrative is far from settled.
Is Solana safe long term?
Solana’s long-term viability is complex and hinges on several factors. While current market sentiment is bearish, reflected in decreased trading volume and price action, this doesn’t automatically invalidate its potential. The network’s inherent scalability advantages, achieved through its innovative Proof-of-History consensus mechanism, remain a significant draw for developers. However, past network outages and security concerns have eroded investor confidence and must be addressed decisively. The success of Solana’s ecosystem relies heavily on the ongoing development and adoption of its DeFi and NFT applications. A sustained downturn could lead to developer attrition and ultimately impact network growth.
Technical improvements, especially in network stability and security, are crucial for attracting institutional investors and maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The competitive landscape within the blockchain space is fierce, with established players and emerging competitors vying for market share. Solana needs to differentiate itself through continuous innovation and robust community engagement to remain competitive. This dip, therefore, presents a calculated risk. Thorough due diligence, including an assessment of the network’s ongoing development, security audits, and the overall market landscape, is paramount before any investment decision.
The current market downturn creates uncertainty for all cryptocurrencies. Analyzing on-chain metrics like active addresses and transaction volume can provide insights into user engagement and network activity, offering a more nuanced picture than price action alone. Consider the long-term vision for Solana and whether its technological advantages can overcome current challenges. Remember that investing in cryptocurrencies carries significant risk; potential rewards must be weighed against potential losses.
What’s the problem with Solana?
Solana’s scalability issues are a major concern for investors. A huge problem is the incredibly high read-to-write ratio – often exceeding 100:1. This means for every transaction (write), there are over 100 queries (reads).
Why is this bad? It crushes the indexing system. Imagine a library with one librarian (Solana’s network) and 100 people asking for books (reads) for every single book added (write). This leads to:
- Massive Latency: Users experience painfully slow response times, especially during peak usage. This directly impacts the user experience and the practicality of many dApps.
- Network Congestion: All those read requests clog the network, hindering transaction processing speed and potentially leading to higher transaction fees.
This read-heavy workload is exacerbated by the nature of many Solana applications. Many DeFi protocols, for example, require numerous read operations to display balances, trade history, and other essential data.
The implications are significant:
- Reduced Usability: High latency makes Solana-based applications frustrating to use, limiting adoption.
- Security Risks: Network congestion can open the door to various vulnerabilities and exploits.
- Impact on Investment: The scalability issues could cap Solana’s growth potential and limit its ability to compete with other Layer-1 blockchains.
Solana’s developers are working on solutions, but the sheer volume of read operations remains a fundamental challenge. This is a crucial factor to consider before investing in Solana-based projects.
Why is Solana plunging?
Solana’s tanking? Yeah, it’s a mess. Binance and Kraken are allegedly dumping SOL, with Binance reportedly offloading around $15.6M through Wintermute in the last 24 hours alone. That’s a serious blow to confidence. It’s not just that though; we’re seeing a broader crypto market downturn, and Solana, with its already shaky network reliability issues and history of outages, is taking a bigger hit than many others. Remember the network congestion problems? This lack of stability makes it a risky bet right now, especially with larger players seemingly losing faith. This sell-off fuels a negative feedback loop: price drops lead to more panic selling, further accelerating the decline. It’s a perfect storm of bad news impacting investor sentiment. Whether this is a temporary dip or the start of a longer, more painful downturn remains to be seen, but it’s definitely a situation to watch closely. The rumors alone are enough to spook many investors. This whole thing highlights the volatility inherent in the crypto market and the importance of diversification.
Will Solana explode in 2025?
Solana’s future in 2025 remains uncertain, with our price prediction model forecasting a modest 3.32% decline by March 26th. This bearish sentiment is reflected in the market’s current mood, with a significant 76% bearish outlook and a Fear & Greed Index score of 45, firmly in the “Fear” territory.
Several factors contribute to this cautious forecast:
- Regulatory Uncertainty: The ongoing regulatory scrutiny of the cryptocurrency market globally poses a significant risk to Solana’s price, potentially impacting investor confidence and trading volume.
- Competition: Solana faces stiff competition from other Layer-1 blockchains vying for market share. Technological advancements and network upgrades by competitors could further impact Solana’s adoption rate.
- Network Scalability Concerns: While Solana boasts impressive theoretical speeds, past network outages have raised concerns about its long-term scalability and reliability, particularly under periods of high transaction volume.
However, potential upsides remain:
- Technological Advancements: Solana’s development team continues to work on improvements and upgrades to address past issues and enhance the network’s performance and stability.
- Growing Ecosystem: The Solana ecosystem continues to grow, with new projects and decentralized applications (dApps) being built on the network. This growth could potentially drive demand for SOL.
- Market Sentiment Shifts: The cryptocurrency market is notoriously volatile. A sudden shift in overall market sentiment could positively impact Solana’s price, regardless of underlying fundamentals.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on our current prediction model and should not be considered financial advice. The cryptocurrency market is inherently risky, and the actual price of SOL in 2025 could significantly deviate from this prediction.
Is Solana better than XRP?
The “better” blockchain depends heavily on the specific use case. XRP’s focus on payments and its established relationships within the financial industry give it a significant advantage in that sector. Its speed and relatively low transaction fees are compelling for institutions seeking a fast and cost-effective solution for cross-border transactions. However, its scalability, while improved, remains a concern compared to newer solutions.
Solana, on the other hand, prioritizes high throughput and low latency, making it attractive for decentralized applications (dApps) demanding rapid execution. Its innovative consensus mechanism, Proof-of-History (PoH), combined with a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) mechanism, allows for significantly higher transaction speeds than many competitors, including Ethereum. This has fueled a vibrant ecosystem of DeFi projects, NFTs, and gaming dApps.
Key differences to consider:
- Transaction speed and cost: Solana generally offers faster transactions at lower costs than XRP, though XRP’s fees are competitive in its niche.
- Scalability: Solana boasts significantly higher transaction throughput than XRP, but it has faced network congestion issues in the past that remain a potential concern.
- Ecosystem: Solana’s ecosystem is broader and more rapidly expanding than XRP’s, encompassing various sectors beyond finance. XRP’s is heavily concentrated in the payments space.
- Regulatory Landscape: XRP faces ongoing regulatory uncertainty in the US, potentially impacting its adoption and future development. Solana’s regulatory environment is less fraught but still subject to evolving crypto regulations globally.
- Technology: Solana’s PoH mechanism is unique and, while innovative, has also presented unique vulnerabilities that have been exploited in the past. XRP uses a more conventional consensus mechanism.
In summary: XRP excels in established financial applications, leveraging its existing network and speed for payments. Solana, while carrying some risk, offers a compelling platform for building high-performance dApps and applications requiring extremely high throughput, making it a strong contender for a wider range of decentralized use cases. The “better” choice is entirely dependent on the intended application.
What is the most environmentally friendly cryptocurrency?
Choosing the “most” environmentally friendly cryptocurrency is tricky, as it depends on various factors and is constantly evolving. However, several cryptocurrencies are known for their relatively low energy consumption compared to Bitcoin.
Cardano (ADA), Tezos (XTZ), Algorand (ALGO), and Solana (SOL) use Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus mechanisms. PoS is significantly more energy-efficient than Bitcoin’s Proof-of-Work (PoW) because it doesn’t require massive energy-intensive computations to validate transactions. Think of it like this: PoW is like a competition where the winner gets to add the next block of transactions, requiring huge energy to “win”. PoS is more like a lottery system where the right to add the next block is chosen based on how many coins a user stakes (holds).
Nano (NANO) boasts a unique block-lattice structure that eliminates the need for mining altogether, resulting in very low energy consumption. It’s a fee-less system that processes transactions quickly and efficiently.
Hedera Hashgraph (HBAR), Chia (XCH), Stellar (XLM), IOTA (MIOTA), and EOS (EOS) also employ various energy-efficient mechanisms, but their levels of sustainability vary and are subject to ongoing development and scrutiny.
Important Note: “Energy-efficient” doesn’t automatically mean “environmentally friendly”. The electricity source used to power the network still matters. A cryptocurrency using a small amount of energy from a coal-powered plant is less environmentally friendly than one using a larger amount of energy from renewable sources.
Further research is crucial. The cryptocurrency landscape is dynamic; sustainability efforts are constantly evolving. Always check for up-to-date information on the energy consumption and environmental impact of any cryptocurrency before investing.