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Vitalik Buterin Responds to Charles Hoskinson’s Ethereum Criticism with Layer-Zero Update

Published by
Elena R

Ethereum, one of the biggest forces in blockchain technology, is once again under the spotlight.

With growing concerns about its scalability issues, especially as more users turn to Layer-2 platforms like Arbitrum and Optimism, doubts are rising about whether Ethereum can handle the future demand.

Now, co-founder Vitalik Buterin has stepped in with a surprising new plan — and it’s stirring up major conversation. His latest move comes right after strong criticism from Cardano’s founder Charles Hoskinson , who believes Ethereum’s days are numbered.

“I don’t think Ethereum will survive more than ten or fifteen years. The Layer-2s will drain all the value, and users will migrate elsewhere, eventually getting eclipsed by Bitcoin,” said Charles Hoskinson.

Vitalik Buterin, however, had no intention of letting that prediction go unchallenged.

Is Ethereum really at risk of falling behind? Or is it about to launch its most powerful upgrade yet? Let’s dive into what’s unfolding.

Vitalik Buterin’s Layer-Zero Update

In a bold move, Buterin introduced a major new upgrade plan: a Layer-Zero proposal that aims to rebuild Ethereum’s core foundation.

The proposal suggests transitioning from the current Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) to a far more efficient zkVM system, based on RISC-V standards.

The improvements this upgrade could bring are nothing short of dramatic:

  • It would require up to 832 times fewer computational cycles than the current EVM.
  • Proving cycles would be reduced by 95.7%, making transactions much faster.
  • Throughput could increase by 30 times thanks to GPU acceleration.
  • Proof compression would shrink from 346MB to just 1.5MB, making the blockchain far more lightweight.

If successful, these changes could significantly boost Ethereum’s efficiency, cut transaction fees, and strengthen its competitiveness in an increasingly crowded blockchain market.

Could Layer-Zero Secure Ethereum’s Future?

What makes this upgrade particularly important is that it could lessen Ethereum’s dependence on external Layer-2 solutions.
This strikes directly at the heart of Hoskinson’s criticism, offering a new path that keeps value within Ethereum’s own network.

By upgrading the base layer, Buterin’s plan could make Ethereum faster, cheaper to use, and more attractive for both developers and users, helping the network maintain its dominance even as blockchain technology keeps advancing.

Although still in the proposal phase, this upgrade is already making waves. If brought to life, it could dramatically reshape Ethereum’s future and prove that it is more resilient than its critics claim.

Ethereum’s Next Big Chapter

Vitalik Buterin’s quick and forward-thinking response shows that Ethereum is ready to evolve, not retreat.

Rather than being overshadowed by new platforms, Ethereum is preparing to reinvent itself and strengthen its leadership for the long term.

For Ethereum’s global community of users, developers, and investors, the next few years could be some of the most important in the platform’s history.

FAQs

What is the Layer-Zero upgrade?

The Layer-Zero upgrade is a proposal to transition Ethereum’s base layer to a zkVM system, improving scalability and reducing transaction costs by enhancing the Ethereum Virtual Machine’s efficiency.

Why does Charles Hoskinson believe Ethereum will not survive in the next 10-15 years?

Hoskinson argues that Ethereum’s reliance on Layer-2 solutions will drain its value, causing users to migrate to other platforms, ultimately resulting in Ethereum being eclipsed by Bitcoin.

What is the difference between Layer-2 solutions and the Layer-Zero upgrade proposed by Buterin?

Layer-2 solutions operate off Ethereum’s base layer to enhance scalability, while Layer-Zero aims to improve Ethereum’s base layer itself, offering greater efficiency and reducing dependence on external solutions.

Elena R

Elena is an expert in technical analysis and risk management in cryptocurrency market. She has 10+year experience in writing - accordingly she is avid journalists with a passion towards researching new insights coming into crypto erena.

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