As the world races towards digital transformation, the technologies we choose will have a lasting impact on our planet. Blockchain, NFTs, and other crypto assets have garnered much attention for their ability to securely and immutably store records. However, the environmental cost of maintaining these technologies is often overlooked. The energy consumption required to sustain blockchains, particularly those using Proof of Work (PoW), is enormous, contributing to the very issues of climate change and global warming that we should be striving to mitigate.

In contrast, the Domain Name System (DNS), a technology that has been reliably securing and managing digital assets for over 30 years, offers a sustainable and proven alternative. DNS, and particularly the Whois records associated with domain names, perform functions similar to blockchain and NFTs, but with a fraction of the environmental impact.

The Environmental Toll of Blockchain and NFTs

The energy demands of blockchain technology have historically been staggering. Under the old PoW consensus model, a single Ethereum transaction could consume more energy than an average U.S. household uses in a day. However, following Ethereum’s transition to Proof of Stake (PoS) in September 2022, its energy consumption has dropped by over 99%, significantly reducing the carbon footprint of each transaction.

Similarly, the carbon footprint of one NFT, particularly on platforms that still use PoW like Bitcoin or pre-PoS Ethereum, was estimated to be around 90 kg of CO₂ per year. Post-PoS, this figure has been drastically reduced, although the exact impact varies depending on the blockchain used. Meanwhile, Bitcoin’s environmental impact remains substantial, with estimates suggesting it produces around 37 megatons of CO₂ annually.

DNS: A Green and Reliable Solution

Domain names, especially those within the DNS ecosystem, represent some of the earliest non-fungible digital assets. Each domain is unique and non-interchangeable, sharing similarities with the concept of NFTs. The Whois records associated with domain names function as a registry of ownership, offering a level of transparency and security. However, it’s important to note that Whois records are not inherently immutable and do not replicate the decentralized consensus mechanism of blockchain.

Consider this: the carbon footprint of one domain name is just 0.117 kg of CO₂ per year, a stark contrast to that of an NFT, even under the current PoS model. The DNS infrastructure, which has been in place since the early days of the internet, is incredibly efficient, with the energy required to maintain domain names being minimal compared to blockchain technologies.

A Trusted Ecosystem with Global Reach

The domain name market is highly competitive and mature, with growth rates comparable to the global economy. Despite this saturation, the DNS ecosystem has accumulated a high level of reliability and trust from users worldwide. This trust forms a solid foundation for innovative developments, such as the .ART registry’s patented Digital Twin process.

This process adds additional fields to Whois records, providing detailed information about a work of art or object. Managed in a distributed fashion by ICANN through a network of domain registrars and registry operators, these Whois records have been a secure and reliable database for decades. This trusted digital registration of artifacts meets a growing market demand, evidenced by the continued interest in blockchain and crypto solutions, despite their inherent flaws.

Bridging the Gap: Domains and Blockchain

While blockchain and NFT solutions are often considered inherently reliable, IT professionals understand that this is not always the case. Issues like the “51% attack” reveal vulnerabilities that are often overlooked due to high demand. However, the .ART registry does not oppose domains to blockchain; instead, we offer a way to effectively and economically combine the two. Through the use of additional referral fields in our Whois records, domains can be linked to any crypto solutions, positioning DNS as a complementary technology that can enhance the overall ecosystem.

DNS: A Global, Environmentally Sound Alternative

As we look ahead to the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, it is crucial that we consider the environmental implications of our digital infrastructure. DNS and Whois records present an opportunity to secure digital assets in a way that is both eco-friendly and technologically proven. Unlike blockchain, DNS has a track record of over 30 years, with a distributed management system that ensures security, reliability, and scalability.

The COP29 conference should include discussions on how DNS can be better leveraged as a global, environmentally sound store of data, offering a sustainable alternative to the energy-intensive processes of blockchain and NFTs. While DNS may not entirely replace blockchain, its role as a green technology should not be underestimated.

Conclusion

In our pursuit of technological advancement, we must not lose sight of our responsibility to protect the planet. DNS, with its minimal environmental impact and robust security, is not only a viable alternative to blockchain and NFTs but a necessary one in the face of growing climate concerns. By choosing DNS, we choose a greener future.