The True Cost of Cryptocurrency

Videos

Grades9, 10, 11, 12Economics, Computer Science

Scientist Reviewed

Provided by Our Changing Climate

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What it is

In this video, Our Changing Climate explains what cryptocurrency is, the issues associated with it (specifically the huge amount of energy required to use it), the colonialism that may be a product of it, and possible solutions to make it more sustainable.
The video provides a number of specific examples, graphs of global data, and highlights the current use of fossil fuels to provide the majority of the energy required.

Teaching tips

Positives

This video is well-researched and explains complicated concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
The video is divided into chapters, which allows the viewer to skip to relevant sections.
The graphics and animations help with comprehension.

Prerequisites

Some cryptocurrency jargon is used, including terms such as proof-of-work, proof-of-stake, and mining.
Students should be familiar with Watt hours and the metric system.
There may be an ad before the video, and there is a sponsored ad at the end that can be skipped.

Differentiation & Implementation

This video talks about crypto colonialism, which can be tied into lessons about modern or historic colonialism in social studies classes.
Cryptocurrency is decentralized, so this video could be included when talking about banking and modern-day money in an economics class.
Another possible activity is a debate where some students argue for cryptocurrency, and others argue against it, using the data provided in the video.
Some related resources are this article, China’s Bitcoin Mining is Threatening Its Climate Change Targets, Study Says, and this article, Bitcoin Consumes 'More Electricity Than Argentina'.

From the scientist review

The resource introduces students to cryptocurrency and how it is increasing prospects for global inequality, fossil fuel consumption, and higher carbon footprints. This is recommended for teaching.

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At a glance

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Subjects: Economics, Computer Science
Format: YouTube Video
Language: English
Location: Africa, Earth, North America, North America > United States, Oceania
Provider: Our Changing Climate
Authors: Our Changing Climate
Published: April 27, 2021
Last updated: July 16, 2026
: Reviewed by our climate scientists How we review

Standards alignment · D2.Civ.1.9-12 + 4 more

Core

College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Standards

D2.Civ.1.9-12Distinguish the powers and responsibilities of local, state, tribal, national, and international civic and political institutions.
D2.Eco.15.9-12Explain how current globalization trends and policies affect economic growth, labor markets, rights of citizens, the environment, and resource and income distribution in different nations.

Wisconsin Climate Education Hub

English Language Arts

SL.11-12.2Analyze and synthesize multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats in order to make informed decisions and solve problems, evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source noting discrepancies among data.
SL.11-12.3Understand and evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.

Social Studies

SS.Econ1.b.hEvaluate how incentives determine what is produced and distributed in a competitive market system.

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What it is

Teaching tips

From the scientist review

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