The Ethereum Merge might be one of the most important blockchain events on the horizon. Signaling a major shift in the way the blockchain works, the Merge will see Ethereum transition from the infamous proof-of-work (PoW) consensus mechanism to a proof-of-stake (PoS) model — adding tremendous speed while enhancing energy efficiency. In proof-of-work, to add the next block, nodes in the network — which are often giant mining servers — have to solve complex mathematical problems rooted in cryptographic algorithms. PoS significantly lowers the amount of computation required to validate blocks and keep the blockchain secure by making users stake an amount of their cryptocurrency for the chance to be randomly chosen as a block validator. Set to reduce Ethereum’s energy consumption by roughly 99.95 percent, the Merge comes after EIP-1559 was introduced in August 2021, setting the stage for Ethereum to become a deflationary force.