We need altcoins as long as we interact economically over the net, with people we do not know (or simply with people outside our local communities). If we try to imagine what qualities a “solarpunk coin” should have, what are your thoughts? Do we know any existing coin, checking all boxes? This question is more about political economy of Solarpunk, then its technology.
I’m skeptical if such a thing can be done with crypto specifically.
As an example, the top coin in that list, Solarcoin, uses a Proof-of-Authority model, which while very energy efficient, is also difficult to decentralize, and vulnerable to the ‘authority’ acting maliciously. It’s cool that it’s based of solar power generation, but I can’t help but feel that just means the people who are wealthy enough to own solar panels would become rich compared to the have-nots?
Stellar, on the other hand, uses a Federated Byzantine Protocol, which… Honestly it’s too late for me to try to understand it 😅
I guess I have to ask: what is the goal of the theoretical altcoin? Are we spitballing a currency for a post-capitalism world? Something for us to use in the here and now to avoid PayPal fees or zelle? A method for activists to covertly transfer funds?
The reason why will inform the what.