I was skeptical that Bitcoin still uses more than AI but it seems to indeed be the case (or close) - current Energy estimates for Bitcoin recently are at 175 TW/h[0] (though I don't know if those are extra pessimistic or not).

For AI the total consumption is perhaps a little less currently (the figures I find quickly differ) but mostly projected to go over twice that in the next couple of years[1].

0. https://digiconomist.net/bitcoin-energy-consumption

1. https://www.windindustrie-in-deutschland.de/meldungen/electr...

Comparing to things that do worse is one sure way to never improve though.

Hey now, my shitcoins give me joy. Now the gaming industry...

Or the thousands of banking systems

Any alternatives? That's like saying that producing food for people is the biggest ecological footprint.