WWF UK plans to sell non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for nature have drawn scorn from those who say the climate impact are at odds with the work of the conservation charity.

The campaigning organisation is due to launch non-fungible tokens for nature tomorrow, in the form of unique digital artworks, field trips and collectibles.

WWF UK hopes the NFTs will raise funds for its conservation work and awareness of 13 of the most endangered species, including types of gorillas, orangutan, and rhino.

But most NFT transactions rely on a cryptocurrency called Eth, supported by the blockchain Ethereum, which pumps out masses of climate-heating carbon dioxide via the vast computer network needed to sustain it.

One Etherum transaction has the same carbon emissions as 140,000 Visa transactions, according to Statista.

NFTs appear to be taking parts of the internet by storm and have attracted interest from celebrities and athletes.

They are the most recent craze from the cryptocurrency world and are gaining increasing mainstream attention, with some NFTs going for millions of pounds at auction.

An NFT is a unique digital certificate that proves ownership of collectibles, from a video or image to a tweet or programme. Basically, if something is fungible, it is interchangeable with another good or asset – non-fungible means it is not.

In the real world, good examples of non-fungible assets include football trading cards and plane tickets. Digitally, NFTs can be something as straightforward as a JPEG image.

While there’s plenty of interest, the concept has been ridiculed by many, and some companies which have indicated plans to wade into the burgeoning industry have U-turned after backlash.

Read more on NFTs in our explainer here.

What are critics saying about WWF UK’s plans?

The idea has sparked backlash, with critics on social media describing it as “grim,” “insane” and “unbelievable”.

Dr Catherine Flick, senior researcher in computing and social responsibility at De Montfort University, urged the organisation to reconsider and assess the “bigger picture”.

“Each Eth transaction is remarkably energy intensive,” she told Sky News. “So the minting and further transaction of the WWF NFTs will be remarkably destructive in both the short and long term.

“It’s not too late to pull out and stop the ‘drop’ of these NFTs and their destructive environmental impact.”

omg @wwf_uk what are you doing? Polygon is not an eco-friendly blockchain. Anything that relies on Ethereum perpetuates Ethereum. You've been duped. https://t.co/r2qwaQG3PP

How has WWF UK responded to the backlash?

The charity says it is using an “eco-friendly” version of Eth by accessing it via – or “minting” it to – a side chain.

A side chain (in this case Polygon) is described by the crypto news site CoinMarketCap as a side blockchain that is linked to another blockchain.

WWF UK says this would be a less carbon intensive way of using Ethereum. The charity says one transaction on Polygon has the equivalent carbon emissions of a single glass of tap water.

Sarah Ward from the charity said: “We are always looking at innovative ways to engage WWF supporters and fundraisers and trial new ideas.”

The NFT proceeds would fund “vital conservation work across the globe”, she added.

Just 24 hours to go… ⏳

Our #WWFTokensForNature focus on 13 endangered species 🐼🦧🦍

Releasing our NFTs on the eco-friendly @0xPolygon blockchain, each transaction has the equivalent carbon emissions of a glass of tap water.

Join the discussion: https://t.co/T6l20zFpnA pic.twitter.com/urFOjZRDE7

But Dr Flick says that just because a Polygon transaction uses less Ethereum, it doesn’t make it eco-friendly.

“It also requires Eth to buy the NFTs, and future transactions of the NFTs will be reliant on Eth as well,” she said. “I don’t know of any fully environmentally or climate friendly mainstream NFT implementations that are trustworthy.

She added: “Most of them rely on environmentally problematic cryptocurrencies for transactions or are side-chains to problematic blockchains.”

Polygon and Ethereum did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.

Watch the Daily Climate Show at 8.30pm Monday to Friday on Sky News, the Sky News website and app, on YouTube and Twitter.

The show investigates how global warming is changing our landscape and highlights solutions to the crisis.

Related posts:

Alert apps and ‘sponge’ road surfaces among new technology to deal with flooding US intelligence report does not confirm that UFO sightings are linked to aliens… nor rule it out Pet owners can pass on COVID to their cats and dogs, study suggests Microbe that can break down plastic discovered in cow’s stomach Dehydration to the body overheating – how do humans die of heat? Ransomware: How does the criminal system work? What the scientists say as England heads towards 19 July lockdown easing Researchers find 14 living male descendants of Da Vinci in bid to uncover secret of his genius Elizabeth Holmes trial begins – the downfall of a Silicon Valley medical hero Dogs probably know when you’re intentionally withholding treats from them, researchers find Apple delays launch of controversial child safety features Mild and moderate COVID cases during pregnancy doesn’t harm babies’ brains, finds study