Our public lecture series “Sustainability in Computer Science” continues…

Krzysztof Pietrzak is Professor for Cryptography at ISTA.

His lecture is on “Blockchains and Sustainability”.

Abstract

The Bitcoin cryptocurrency, through the underlying blockchain technology, for the first time achieved consensus in a permissionless setting, that is, in a distributed way where everyone can participate towards securing the system. To achieve this, the key idea is to “vote” using computing power, rather than identities. The blockchain technology is interesting from a sustainability perspective as it poses unique challenges, but also promises to address existing issues, for example through DePIN projects, which aim to build and operate real-world physical infrastructure (like wireless networks, sensor grids, compute/storage networks, energy systems, etc.) in a decentralized, open, and permissionless way. In this lecture I’ll discuss a cryptographic primitive, proofs of space, and show how a project (Chia) uses them to address the main challenge, namely the massive electricity waste of the Bitcoin blockchain. At the same time, proofs of space are the key enabler of a DePIN project (Filecoin) constructing a decentralized storage network.

Online Event

Switch on your laptop and join us via Zoom! Whether you’re a student, a professional looking to expand your knowledge, or a citizen interested in sustainability issues – this lecture series is open to everyone.

Public Lecture Series “Sustainability in Computer Science”

Sustainability is not an optional feature. Targeting economic, social, and ecological issues through sustainable development has become a must, not least since the publication of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in 2015. Computer Science (CS), and more prominently and recently, Artificial Intelligence (AI), is hailed as the solution to many sustainability problems (and yes, it is!). Still, energy efficiency and CO2 reduction must be considered to ensure fair and ecological use of resources. Hence, dealing with CS and sustainability involves two faces of the same coin: Sustainability with CS, and Sustainability for CS.

This public lecture series is unique in Austria, with all Austrian CS departments and faculties participating under the auspices of Informatik Austria. We want to raise awareness for the utmost importance of sustainability in CS, demonstrating research solutions to various problems, and triggering developments for a sustainable future.

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