Why is this a problem?
We do all sorts of relatively useless stuff that burns electricity. How many gigawatts are wasted in internet forums? Call of Duty? Lighting empty rooms?
Why is bitcoin worse?
We do all sorts of relatively useless stuff that burns electricity. How many gigawatts are wasted in internet forums? Call of Duty? Lighting empty rooms?
Why is bitcoin worse?
On top of that, although not everyone may agree: one may argue that internet forums and Call of Duty are not a waste. At least not compared to bitcoin mining.
Bitcoin mining requires more energy if more people join in (difficulty increases), while the outcome basically stays the same. Furthermore one could say it's not doing anything, only preventing something (too many blocks being created).
Energy efficiency is being improved in manufacturing, most appliances we use in our homes, etc. Should we not demand the same of Bitcoin just because other parts of the society uses >0 energy?