The alternative that does work is simple -- don't do crypto until the extreme carbon emissions are handled to a reasonable degree. It is clear that is not the case now. The end goal is vague but with due diligence you can keep mining crypto and the environment can keep at least some of its richness.

Yes, I think "we're investing in hightech innovation that will save the Earth" is better PR than "we're helping reforestation projects".

This is inline with the disconnected Silicon Valley / Tech elite group think that every single problem on Earth can be solvee with technology.