TL;DR
- No Corporate Involvement: Chris Larsen clarified that his backing of the “Change the Code” campaign was entirely personal, with Ripple not funding the initiative.
- Environmental Focus: The campaign aimed to pressure the Bitcoin community to move away from its energy-intensive proof-of-work system, even as Bitcoin mining increasingly incorporates renewable energy.
- Ongoing Crypto Debate: While symbolic moves like Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse’s donation of the “Skull of Satoshi” seek to promote unity, skepticism persists over Ripple’s intentions within the crypto space.
Ripple continues to be central to crypto debates as co-founder Chris Larsen responded to ongoing speculation about the financing of the “Change the Code” initiative. Amid growing speculation, Larsen clarified that while he supported the initiative, Ripple as a company did not finance the campaign.
Organized in partnership with an environmental group, the campaign aimed to pressure the Bitcoin community into moving away from its energy-intensive proof-of-work model, a call that many critics viewed as an attack on Bitcoin.
In early 2023 when I funded the “Change the Code” campaign, my goal was to see if there was a way to turn Bitcoin into an accelerator for direct air capture. The campaign didn’t work, and that’s ok! Note – Ripple did not fund this campaign.
Bitcoin’s energy transition in the… https://t.co/qIcadDtzDu
— Chris Larsen (@chrislarsensf) May 28, 2025
Clarifying the Campaign’s Funding
Chris Larsen set the record straight by emphasizing that his backing of the campaign was completely personal. The initiative, which has drawn both applause and skepticism, was never funded or endorsed corporately by Ripple.
Such clarification is significant, given the wave of criticism from Bitcoin supporters who have long questioned Ripple’s motives. Some in the community have argued that the campaign was a strategic move designed to sow doubts about the Bitcoin network, potentially paving the way for wider adoption of XRP.
Larsen’s remarks, however, firmly disassociate Ripple’s corporate resources from the campaign, countering allegations that the company is using environmental critiques to gain a competitive edge.
Advancements in Bitcoin’s Energy Profile
Larsen also highlighted promising developments within Bitcoin’s own energy landscape. Citing findings from academic research, he pointed out that modern mining operations are increasingly shifting toward renewable energy sources such as wind, nuclear, and hydropower. Additionally, mining is now utilizing energy that would otherwise be wasted.
These advances suggest that Bitcoin’s environmental footprint is improving, further undermining claims that its proof-of-work system is irredeemably inefficient. The conversation has thus evolved from criticism to a broader discussion on how innovation within the ecosystem can drive a cleaner energy future.
Symbols of Unity Amid Ongoing Debate
In a further effort to foster goodwill, Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, recently donated the “Skull of Satoshi” to the Bitcoin community, a gesture intended as a symbolic olive branch during the 2025 Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas. While some welcomed the move as a call for unity and collaboration across the crypto space, others remain doubtful, accusing Ripple of past attempts to undermine Bitcoin.
