A 23-year-old individual involved in the cryptocurrency world has devised a plan to display a Bitcoin flag atop Mount Everest as a means of promoting global financial literacy. Dadvan Yousuf recently announced his intention to climb the highest mountain on Earth sometime between April and May, unfurling the BTC flag at the summit before returning it to the base camp. Yousuf aims to draw attention to the “disparity in global access to financial education.”
Yousuf, who was born in Iraq and currently operates a business in Dubai, reportedly acquired Bitcoin worth approximately $340 in 2011. Over time, he expanded his investments to include Ether (ETH) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). As of January 2022, his estimated net worth exceeded $300 million.
The issue of overtourism at Mount Everest has become increasingly problematic in recent years. With the ascent gaining prominence on social media, many inexperienced climbers find themselves ill-prepared for the harsh conditions. In 2023, eighteen individuals lost their lives in their attempts to reach the summit, with a significant number perishing in the treacherous “death zone” above 8,000 meters.
The accumulation of trash has also emerged as a pressing concern at Everest, as climbers discard oxygen tanks, food, camping gear, and even human waste along the route to the top. Yousuf emphasized his commitment to bringing everything back down with him, including his plan to reach the summit at an elevation of 8,849 meters.
Yousuf shared with Cointelegraph, “Leaving no trace, including no flags, is my utmost priority. Preserving the pristine environment of Everest is of utmost importance to me. I will ensure minimal impact and only leave footprints behind.”
It is worth noting that previous mountaineers have made efforts to promote cryptocurrencies on mountain peaks. In 2018, three crypto enthusiasts announced their intention to place a Ledger wallet at the summit of Everest, but unfortunately, one of the accompanying sherpas died during the descent. In 2023, another climber financed his expedition to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania partly through Bitcoin, as part of his campaign to raise awareness for financial literacy.
At the time of writing, Bitcoin experienced a brief surge in price to a yearly high of $64,000 before subsequently dipping below $61,000.
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