Why Bitcoin is so bad for the planet – video explainer

In a year, bitcoin uses around the same about of electricity as the entire country of Norway.

The digital currency is one that allows people to bypass banks and traditional payment methods. It is the most prominent among thousands of so-called cryptocurrencies and has been repeatedly reaching new records - but is it sustainable?

The Guardian's UK technology editor Alex Hern examines how exactly bitcoin uses electricity and if the environmental cost is too high

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