The maintainers of Bitcoin could make changes to the mining protocol that reduce its reliance on energy. By choosing to not do so, they are directly contributing - in a substantial way - to civilization-ending climate catastrophe. I do think that Bitcoin's maintainers have an obligation to do their part, considering that they are very materially a part of the problem.
Ethereum is at least working hard on other algorithms that are energy efficient. But in the Bitcoin space, the tremendous investment in energy-intensive mining equipment means that the entrenched players have an interest in persisting the way that things currently work, rather than seeking an energy conserving replacement.
Ethereum is at least working hard on other algorithms that are energy efficient. But in the Bitcoin space, the tremendous investment in energy-intensive mining equipment means that the entrenched players have an interest in persisting the way that things currently work, rather than seeking an energy conserving replacement.