https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2024/09/26/bitcoin-breaks-through-65000-as-global-macro-factors-fuel-gains/? An example article. The issue I have with the typical btc mining energy article is the wrapping mining under the fiat framing “renewable” and “esg” by people with fiat incentives. The double speak could not be clearer, and this tongue twisting serves to confuse folks like your friend further. The beauty of mining is that is a free market, unrestricted by geography domain. This means hydro in China, coal in Kentucky, flare gas in Siberia, nuclear are all available and viable, should the price be competitive. Irregardless if e.g. the #eulag proclaims a carbon tax, local miners will do the math on maintaining or starting new operations. If it does not work out, operators will move their revenue producing operations elsewhere. Operators will choose to start operations where it makes sense.