Ripple’s chairman, Chris Larsen, commends Bitcoin’s energy transition over the past few years, following the company’s symbolic gesture to the BTC community.
In an X post yesterday, Larsen reacted to Ripple’s donation of the ‘Skull of Satoshi’ artwork to the Bitcoin community at the ongoing 2025 BTC conference.
For context, the “Skull of Satoshi” artwork was initially created to advocate for Bitcoin’s shift from its energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) algorithm to more sustainable alternatives.
The artwork, designed by Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong, was part of Larsen’s ‘Change the Code, Not the Climate’ campaign, which he single-handedly funded in 2023.
Larsen Reflects on His Failed Change the Code Campaign
Hours after Ripple donated the Skull of Satoshi to the Bitcoin community, Larsen reflected on the ‘Change the Code’ campaign.
Launched in 2023, the campaign aimed to promote the adoption of a more energy-efficient mechanism for Bitcoin, rather than the energy-intensive Proof-of-Work (PoW) algorithm. Despite expecting the campaign to ‘turn Bitcoin into an air accelerator for direct air capture,’ Larsen said it did not achieve the desired result.
Notably, he emphasized that he funded the entire campaign, adding that Ripple did not make any financial contribution.
Bitcoin Energy Improvement
While the Change the Code campaign failed to achieve its desired result, Bitcoin still made significant energy improvements, according to Larsen.
He commended Bitcoin’s energy transition over the past few years. Citing data from a recent Cambridge study, Larsen claims that 50% of Bitcoin’s energy now comes from renewable sources, including wind, hydropower, and nuclear power.
Additionally, he highlighted the use of wasted energy, like trapped and flared gas, to power Bitcoin mining activities. The Ripple chairman described Bitcoin’s energy transition as remarkable.
Furthermore, he expressed excitement about the presentation of the artwork, noting that it serves as a symbol of innovation and environmental stewardship.
Ripple CEO Calls for Unity
Meanwhile, Larsen’s statement comes hours after Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse commented on the Skull of Satoshi donation. The Ripple CEO portrayed the donation as a peace offering to the Bitcoin community following a longstanding feud between the BTC and XRP camps.
In his view, all crypto communities, including XRP and Bitcoin, have more in common than people realize. Instead of pursuing self-centered interests, Garlinghouse called on the broader crypto community to unite and move the industry forward.
The goal is to help the crypto industry achieve regulatory clarity, drive innovation, and extend financial services to the unbanked and underbanked.
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