The long-anticipated 'merge' updated Ethereum from proof of work to proof of stake in 2022.

The update aims to increase transaction speed, lower costs, and foster new applications, benefiting users and investors.

Ethereum's carbon footprint has been significantly reduced following the merge.

The merge unified the Mainnet and Beacon Chain into a single proof of stake blockchain.

Users now stake a minimum of 32 ETH to verify transactions, replacing the previous mining process.

Withdrawals of staked ETH are not immediate post-merge, adding a new dynamic to Ethereum's liquidity.

Despite changes, Ethereum remains complementary to Bitcoin, with each serving distinct roles in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.