How much energy does crypto mining use?

Inquiring minds often wonder about the energy consumption associated with cryptocurrency mining. After all, the process of validating and adding transactions to the blockchain requires significant computational power. So, just how much energy does crypto mining utilize? The answer varies depending on several factors, including the type of cryptocurrency being mined, the efficiency of the mining hardware, and the overall demand for mining rewards. However, it's worth noting that some estimates suggest that the energy consumption of crypto mining can be quite substantial, rivaling even that of small countries. This begs the question: is this energy usage sustainable in the long run? And what measures can be taken to reduce its impact on the environment?