A Swiss study from the University of Zurich estimates that a single Bitcoin transaction produces 486 kilograms of CO2, roughly the same as a round-trip flight from Zurich to London. The research attributes this high carbon footprint to the energy-intensive proof-of-work mining process used by Bitcoin, which relies heavily on fossil fuels in many regions. The study adds to the growing body of evidence that cryptocurrency mining has a measurable climate impact. For those tracking carbon markets or emissions policy, this figure provides a concrete benchmark for comparing digital asset emissions against traditional industries. It also raises questions about whether regulatory frameworks should include crypto mining in carbon accounting.
