Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin has defended the environmental impact of flying to cryptocurrency events, stating that the carbon footprint is a necessary trade-off to maintain the global nature of the crypto space. Buterin emphasized the importance of in-person interactions and collaborations that occur at these events, which he believes are crucial for the continued growth and innovation within the industry. His comments come amid ongoing discussions about the environmental impact of blockchain technologies and the need for sustainable practices.