Just a quick example
> "The second element is the consensus algorithm, which is a way to ensure all the copies of the ledger are the same. This is generally called mining;" - except that is only applicable for (proof of work POW) consensus and does not apply to proof of stake (POS) and delegated proof of stack (DPOS) which several of the top blockchain projects are currently using (even Ethereum is moving to POS). Both of which are far more environmentally friendly and use asset ownership (stake) as the mechanism for consensus, which is much more reliable (in a trust sense).
Gosh there is so much that is conflated here. The article can be completely deconstructed but I just don't have the time. It's unfortunate this is coming from Wired. Tsk. Tsk.