Shell collaborates with Gitcoin on climate solutions, but with its past controversies, skeptics question the oil giant’s genuine commitment.
Shell Global Solutions, an international gas company, has announced a partnership with blockchain platform Gitcoin, signaling a significant shift in leveraging blockchain technology for climate solutions.
The energy transition is a colossal challenge, and we need innovative solutions. First we'll be hosting a hackathon focused on blockchain-based climate solutions along with our friends from @supermodularxyz. Stay tuned for more information and opportunities to get involved.
— Gitcoin (@gitcoin) August 14, 2023
While blockchain technology is largely associated with cryptocurrencies, its application reaches far beyond. Its potential to address complex global challenges, particularly in energy and climate change, is immense. This newly formed partnership looks to potentially harness that potential, with a focus on the energy domain, offering avenues for better transparency and the adoption of renewable sources.
Central to this alliance is Shell’s commitment to bolster the Gitcoin matching fund. The energy giant has pledged to support the upcoming four Climate Solutions rounds as part of the Gitcoin Grants Program. In addition, the collaboration will also witness a blockchain-centric hackathon later this year, specifically aimed at addressing energy use cases:
BREAKING!
We're outside the Royal Courts of Justice standing in solidarity with the Ogoni and Bodo people of the Niger Delta, who are taking Shell to court. Shell's oil spills have polluted the Niger Delta for decades – they must pay for the clean up!#shutdownshell pic.twitter.com/AIfNPyzLjE
— Fossil Free London (@fossilfreeLDN) July 24, 2023
Numerous oil spills have plagued the area, devastating local ecosystems, polluting water sources and harming the livelihoods of countless residents dependent on fishing and farming:
I love gitcoin but this is green washing, not green pilling.
Fuck Shell. https://t.co/Hu7ibLfTh1
— scoopy (@scupytrooples) August 14, 2023