And we’re all getting tired of hearing those predictions about crypto taking over by 2025. Bitcoin to $100k? Solana mooning? Sure, maybe. But let’s face it, many of these projections are in reality hopium fueled pie-in-the-sky aspirations. They do so while conveniently ignoring the real-world impacts, particularly for those that have the most to gain – or lose. The future of crypto isn’t only about price charts and Fibonacci patterns. It's about people.

I’m talking about the billions of people living in developing nations. These women, LGBTQ people, and BIPOC communities are frequently left out of the crypto discussion. Their experiences, needs, and potential are a mighty underpinning force. They will determine if crypto in 2025 is a win for all, or merely the next engine of exacerbating the transfer of wealth to the elites. Let's dive into what's truly at stake.

Financial Inclusion, A Real Game Changer

Forecasts just can’t stop promising how crypto will “bank the unbanked.” How exactly will that happen? Will broader Bitcoin adoption finally make it economical to wire up the whole of rural Africa to the internet? Will Ethereum’s scalability simply make the digital divide disappear? I highly doubt it.

The future of financial inclusion does not depend on technology alone. It takes infrastructure, education, and most importantly—a true desire to empower communities. We need to be asking tough questions:

  • Are these platforms accessible to people with limited digital literacy?
  • Are the transaction fees actually affordable for those living on a dollar a day?
  • Are there adequate consumer protections in place to prevent scams and fraud?

Consider Solana, for instance. Of course, its very high transaction speeds and low transaction fees might just allow it to serve as the ideal alternative to mainstream financial services. If a farmer in Nigeria can't access a reliable internet connection or doesn't understand how to use a crypto wallet, those advantages are meaningless. We need to see concrete commitments to close these gaps, no more talk. It’s not about aesthetics, it’s about utility, specifically utility that can actually solve the real problem.

Environmental Impact's Unequal Burden

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: crypto's environmental footprint. Bitcoin's energy consumption is notorious, and even with Ethereum's move to Proof-of-Stake, the overall impact of the crypto industry remains significant. The communities that are least responsible for climate change are often the ones who suffer the most from its consequences.

Mining companies often set up their operations in nations with fragile environmental standards. This has resulted in the contamination of nearby water supplies and the destruction of nearby forests. Climate change is getting worse by the day. Additionally, the poorest, least-resilient, and most vulnerable populations will continue to feel the immediate effects of extreme weather events, food shortages, and displacement.

Funding new projects that focus on renewable energy development and carbon sequestration represent just some of the pathways forward. We should punish cryptocurrencies for their destabilizing and ecocidal behavior and incentivize better disclosure and corporate responsibility. To take one example, promising is just not good enough when it comes to Ethereum’s environmental impact. We have yet to see any hard data that supports its claims, or any proof that its transition to Proof-of-Stake is really having an impact. If not, we are just passing the environmental harm onto the people who can least afford it.

Decentralization has become the crypto world’s catchphrase. But who really benefits from it? Are rich financiers and technology oligarchs writing the rules for how these platforms behave? If not, have we made a true commitment to building a more equitable system? Or are we just doing what’s already been done to reinforce current power structures, now in a shiny, digital package?

Decentralization For Whose Benefit?

The crux of the matter lies in making certain that marginalized communities have a genuine seat at the table when these platforms make decisions. That includes creating new, decentralized governance structures that put control over what’s most important to them back in their hands.

Consider XRP, for example. Regulatory clarity is key to success. The strongest battery innovations can’t succeed without appropriate regulatory support. We need to be asking if this technology fosters financial inclusion and supports our most marginalized communities. Is it simply a way to help large financial intermediaries? Or at least, does it truly contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable financial system?

  • Creating educational resources and training programs to empower individuals in developing countries to participate in the cryptocurrency economy.
  • Supporting projects that are focused on addressing the specific challenges faced by marginalized communities.
  • Actively seeking out and amplifying the voices of those who are often excluded from the conversation.

The truth is, the forecasts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and the rest are meaningless if we don't address these hidden forces. Enough with the hype, though—to get real. We must reward the real-world impact of crypto for those who stand to gain—or lose—the most. Building the future of crypto isn’t about getting rich. And it’s not just about transforming the built environment — it’s about creating a more just, equitable world. And that calls for a whole other kind of revolution, one that truly puts people first.

Let’s make sure that the next “boom” isn’t yet another lost opportunity for global equity to catch up. Let's demand better. Let's build better. Let's be better.

Don't let the next "boom" be another missed opportunity for global equity. Let's demand better. Let's build better. Let's be better.