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@article{182494,
        author = {Sarthak Vijay Undale and Shubhangi Tidake and Prashant Kulkarni},
        title = {Confronting the Carbon-Footprint Challenge of Blockchain: A Data-Driven Analysis and Sustainable Solutions},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {2},
        pages = {2175-2180},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=182494},
        abstract = {Blockchain technologies, while revolutionizing digital finance and record-keeping, have raised significant environmental concerns due to their intensive energy consumption. This paper presents a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of blockchain's carbon footprint, focusing on consensus mechanisms like Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS), and their comparative impact on energy use. By integrating global mining data, network performance metrics, and sustainability efforts across key platforms, the study highlights both the environmental cost and the transformative potential of greener alternatives. Findings indicate that transitioning PoW networks to PoS or integrating renewable sources can drastically reduce emissions, although infrastructural, regulatory, and market challenges persist. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations to guide industry stakeholders and policymakers in fostering an environmentally responsible blockchain future.},
        keywords = {Blockchain, Carbon footprint, Proof of Work, Proof of Stake, Sustainable technology, Green blockchain, Energy consumption},
        month = {July},
        }