Chris Larsen Denies Ripple Funded Anti-Bitcoin Campaign

Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen has clarified that Ripple did not fund the controversial “Change the Code” campaign, which aimed to push Bitcoin away from its energy-intensive proof-of-work (PoW) algorithm. The campaign, backed by Greenpeace, sparked widespread criticism from Bitcoin advocates who viewed it as an attack on the cryptocurrency’s decentralized foundation.

Larsen, who personally collaborated with Greenpeace, stated in a recent post that Bitcoin has undergone a “remarkable” shift in its energy profile. Citing data from the University of Cambridge, he emphasized that most Bitcoin mining now uses renewable energy sources such as hydro, nuclear, and wind. Additionally, excess energy like flared gas, which would otherwise be wasted, is being repurposed to power mining operations.

Despite Larsen’s clarification, skepticism remains within the crypto community. Some pointed out that the campaign’s website is still active and that Ripple previously donated the "Skull of Satoshi" statue—an artwork symbolizing the environmental impact of Bitcoin—to a prominent crypto museum. This move reignited debates about Ripple's stance on Bitcoin.

Adding to the controversy, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse has also been vocal about Bitcoin’s environmental footprint. He previously described PoW mining as a “massive waste,” aligning with earlier criticisms of Bitcoin’s energy use from within Ripple’s leadership.

While Larsen insists the campaign was his initiative and not Ripple’s, the company’s prior comments and affiliations continue to fuel division among crypto supporters. The clarification aims to separate Ripple from direct involvement, but the broader debate over Bitcoin’s consensus mechanism and sustainability remains far from over.