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UN sees blockchain technology as a possible tool to fight climate crisis

Amid ongoing concerns over Bitcoin’s carbon footprint, the United Nations has said that cryptocurrency’s underlying technology has massive potential for fixing global issues such as climate change.

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Amid ongoing concerns over Bitcoin’s carbon footprint, the United Nations has said that cryptocurrency’s underlying technology has massive potential for fixing global issues such as climate change.

The U.N. will keep exploring the uses of blockchain technology as a way to fight the climate crisis and help reach a more sustainable global economy, according to an article published on the official U.N. website on Sunday.

U.N. experts are confident that “cryptocurrencies and the technology that powers them can play an important role in sustainable development, and actually improving our stewardship of the environment.” Specifically, the article points out a number of environmental and sustainability benefits associated with blockchain, including its power to enable transparency and resistance to fraud, climate finance and clean energy markets.

Citing the U.N. Environment Programme’s partnership with the Technical University of Denmark, the article states that data on harmful greenhouse gas emissions is unreliable and incomplete in many countries. In providing an immutable record of carbon data, blockchain solutions can provide a transparent way for nations to take action to reduce their impact on the climate.

Blockchain technology can also be an important part of driving renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power by providing a tool to create clean energy markets. “As these sources are, by their nature, intermittent and decentralized, new forms of energy markets are needed,” the article notes.

The U.N. emphasized that cryptocurrencies are still in their infancy, and there are still many technological and political challenges to overcome, including environmental issues as well as volatility:

“If the most vulnerable are to benefit from the promise of blockchain technology, and if it is to truly make a positive impact on the climate crisis, more technical research is needed, as well as more international dialogue, involving experts, scientists and policymakers.”
Related: Banking system consumes two times more energy than Bitcoin: Research

Minang Acharya, one of the authors of UNEP’s brief on blockchain applications, urged that the U.N. should continue experimenting with blockchain to learn more about its environmental-friendly implications. “This is likely to improve our UN-wide knowledge on blockchain, our understanding of the environmental and social implications of mining operations, and improve our chances of coping with any problems the technology may bring in the future,” Acharya said.

Source Credits: CoinTelegraph

Business

GameStop hints at future Bitcoin purchases following board approval

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GameStop is exploring the possibility of adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet, but any future purchases will require approval from the company’s board of directors. The move signals the gaming retailer’s continued interest in digital assets as it seeks to diversify its financial strategy.

The potential Bitcoin investment aligns with GameStop’s previous forays into the crypto space, including its NFT marketplace and blockchain gaming initiatives. However, the company has not yet committed to a specific timeline or amount for Bitcoin purchases.

Industry analysts suggest that if GameStop proceeds with Bitcoin acquisitions, it could follow in the footsteps of other publicly traded companies, such as MicroStrategy, that have adopted Bitcoin as a reserve asset. The decision could also serve as a signal to retail and institutional investors about GameStop’s long-term outlook on digital assets.

As the company awaits board approval, the broader market will be watching closely to see if GameStop makes a decisive move into Bitcoin, potentially influencing other corporations to consider similar strategies.

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Business

SEC nominee Atkins discloses at least $327M in assets ahead of confirmation hearing

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Paul Atkins, a former commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), is under scrutiny over financial disclosures related to his wife. The concerns emerged during a recent hearing, raising questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.

Atkins, who served at the SEC from 2002 to 2008, has been a vocal advocate for regulatory clarity in financial markets, including the cryptocurrency sector. However, lawmakers and regulators are now examining whether proper disclosures were made regarding financial assets linked to his wife.

The inquiry reflects broader concerns about ethics and accountability among financial regulators and policymakers. While Atkins has not been formally accused of wrongdoing, the situation highlights ongoing debates over financial transparency in government and regulatory agencies.

As the hearing unfolds, industry observers are closely watching for potential implications on SEC policies and oversight practices. The outcome could influence future regulatory discussions, particularly in areas where financial disclosures intersect with policymaking in traditional and digital asset markets.

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Business

Brazil’s data watchdog upholds ban on World crypto payments

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Brazil’s data protection authority is ramping up its oversight of cryptocurrency payment platforms, reflecting growing concerns over data privacy and regulatory compliance in the digital asset sector. The move aligns with a broader global trend of increased scrutiny on crypto transactions.

The regulatory focus comes as crypto payments gain mainstream adoption in Brazil, with businesses and consumers increasingly using digital assets for everyday transactions. Authorities aim to ensure that companies handling crypto payments comply with data protection laws, safeguarding user information against misuse and security breaches.

This initiative follows global regulatory efforts to address concerns over illicit financial activities and privacy risks associated with digital currencies. While Brazil has been a leader in Latin America’s crypto adoption, regulators are working to balance innovation with consumer protection.

Industry experts believe that stricter oversight could enhance trust in the crypto sector, attracting institutional players while ensuring compliance with international standards. As regulations evolve, businesses operating in the crypto payments space will need to adapt to the changing legal landscape to maintain seamless operations.

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