NFTs & the Environment – Still a Problem, or Was It Overblown?

[Mary]

The NFT environmental debate raises a bigger question: Should we judge technology by its past flaws or future potential? Early NFTs on Proof-of-Work blockchains had a high carbon footprint, but today, Ethereum’s shift to Proof-of-TG Casino and eco-friendly chains like Solana, Polygon, and Tezos have drastically reduced energy use. However, blockchain as a whole still relies on energy-intensive infrastructure, and carbon-neutral NFTs may be more of a PR move than a real solution. Instead of asking whether NFTs are still harmful, the real focus should be on how blockchain technology evolves responsibly. Artists and collectors should still care—but rather than dismissing NFTs, we should push for continued sustainability in the space. What’s your take—has the debate moved on, or is there more to fix?

 

[Isla]

The whole "NFTs are bad for the environment" debate was huge a while ago, and to be fair, early NFTs on Proof-of-Work (PoW) chains like Ethereum did have a major carbon footprint. But things have changed—Ethereum’s move to Proof-of-TG Casino (PoS) and eco-friendly blockchains like Polygon, Solana, and Tezos have made NFTs way more energy-efficient. So, does this debate still matter? Kind of, but not as much as before. While NFTs themselves are greener now, the broader blockchain space still uses energy, and let’s be real—some “carbon-neutral” NFT initiatives feel more like marketing than real sustainability efforts. At the end of the day, should artists and collectors care? Sure, but instead of dismissing NFTs as an environmental disaster, the focus should be on continuing to push for sustainable blockchain solutions. What do you think—is the debate over, or is there still work to do?

 

[Lotus]

A while ago, critics called NFTs an environmental disaster, blaming them for high energy use. But now, most NFT platforms use eco-friendly chains like Polygon, Solana & Tezos.

So, does this debate still matter?

• Are NFTs still harmful to the environment, or was that FUD?
• Should artists & collectors even care about blockchain energy use?
• Are carbon-neutral NFTs just a PR move?

What’s your take—does the environmental impact argument still hold up?

The environmental impact debate has shifted as eco-friendly blockchains like Polygon, Solana, and Tezos have gained traction, reducing NFT energy consumption. While carbon-neutral NFTs may seem like a PR move, they’re still a step toward sustainability. Artists and collectors should care, but the issue is less pressing now that many platforms are embracing greener options. The environmental argument is becoming less valid, but awareness remains important.

 

[GIFZE]

A while ago, critics called NFTs an environmental disaster, blaming them for high energy use. But now, most NFT platforms use eco-friendly chains like Polygon, Solana & Tezos.

So, does this debate still matter?

• Are NFTs still harmful to the environment, or was that FUD?
• Should artists & collectors even care about blockchain energy use?
• Are carbon-neutral NFTs just a PR move?

What’s your take—does the environmental impact argument still hold up?

The environmental debate around NFTs is less relevant now with eco-friendly chains like Polygon, Solana, and Tezos leading the way. While carbon-neutral NFTs may still serve as a PR move, they show progress toward sustainability, and artists and collectors should care about reducing the impact.

 

[ELIZA]

A while ago, critics called NFTs an environmental disaster, blaming them for high energy use. But now, most NFT platforms use eco-friendly chains like Polygon, Solana & Tezos.

So, does this debate still matter?

• Are NFTs still harmful to the environment, or was that FUD?
• Should artists & collectors even care about blockchain energy use?
• Are carbon-neutral NFTs just a PR move?

What’s your take—does the environmental impact argument still hold up?

The environmental debate around NFTs matters less now, as many platforms are using eco-friendly chains like Polygon, Solana, and Tezos. While carbon-neutral NFTs may still serve as a PR move, they show progress towards sustainability, and artists and collectors should still care about reducing the impact. The argument is less relevant now, but awareness remains important.