XRP Leader Applauds Bitcoin’s Shift to Green Energy

XRP continues to engage with the broader crypto ecosystem as Ripple’s chairman Chris Larsen recently praised Bitcoin’s growing reliance on renewable energy. The acknowledgment came alongside a symbolic gesture during the 2025 BTC Conference: Ripple’s donation of the ‘Skull of Satoshi’ artwork to the Bitcoin community.

In a social media post, Larsen reacted to the donation, emphasizing the significance of Bitcoin’s progress in improving its environmental impact. The artwork, designed by Canadian environmental artist Benjamin Von Wong, originally served as a provocative call to action during the 2023 campaign titled “Change the Code, Not the Climate.”

This campaign, which was initiated and fully funded by Larsen, sought to persuade the Bitcoin community to replace its energy-consuming proof-of-work (PoW) algorithm with a more sustainable alternative. At the time, the movement stirred conversations but ultimately failed to drive the significant protocol changes its founder had hoped for.

Looking Back on the Sustainability Campaign

Larsen reflected on the challenges of the 2023 “Change the Code” initiative, acknowledging that despite its failure to shift Bitcoin’s consensus mechanism, it did succeed in spotlighting the energy issue. The Ripple chairman openly clarified that he financed the campaign independently, and that Ripple as a company did not contribute financially to the initiative.

Although the effort didn’t yield the technical results anticipated, Larsen highlighted that Bitcoin has made commendable progress in transitioning toward more eco-friendly practices. He cited data from a Cambridge University study showing that approximately 50% of the energy used for Bitcoin mining now originates from renewable sources like wind, hydro, and nuclear power.

Additionally, Larsen praised the use of unconventional energy sources, such as trapped and flared natural gas, which would otherwise go to waste. This repurposing of energy, he argued, reflects Bitcoin’s growing adaptability and consideration for environmental impact. He described these energy adjustments as a “remarkable transformation” that deserves recognition.

A Symbol of Environmental Innovation

The ‘Skull of Satoshi’ has evolved from an activist symbol into a token of collaboration and awareness about blockchain’s environmental footprint. Larsen expressed enthusiasm for seeing the art piece presented at the Bitcoin conference, interpreting its reception as a positive shift in tone between two historically competitive communities.

He added that the artwork now stands as a representation of both technological passion and environmental commitment, marking a new chapter in how decentralized networks approach energy usage.

Ripple CEO Encourages Unity Across Crypto

Echoing the spirit of reconciliation, Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse also offered commentary on the artwork donation. He framed it as a peace gesture amid the lingering tensions between Bitcoin and XRP factions. In a recent statement, Garlinghouse remarked that Bitcoin and XRP communities “share more in common than people think.”

He urged the broader crypto ecosystem to focus on unity rather than rivalry. According to Garlinghouse, a cooperative approach is key to pushing for regulatory clarity, fostering technological innovation, and expanding access to financial services—especially for underserved populations globally.

Related: Expert Advice: Sell XRP If You’re Confused

This moment of acknowledgment and cooperation between Ripple and Bitcoin could signify a turning point in how major players reconcile technological differences for the shared mission of crypto advancement. As XRP leaders continue to celebrate Bitcoin’s greener practices, the emphasis on mutual goals may pave the way for more cohesive efforts across the blockchain space.