The Ethereum network is transitioning to a new system called proof-of-stake (PoS) for verifying transactions, which is known as the Ethereum 2.0 Merge. This change is replacing the previous system, proof-of-work (PoW), which was used by Bitcoin and consumed a large amount of energy.
Ethereum has introduced a proof-of-stake network called the Beacon Chain in 2020, however, it is currently not being used for completing transactions. It is being used as a temporary platform for computers operating on the Ethereum network to prepare for the upgrade to proof-of-stake.
To fully implement proof-of-stake, Ethereum’s mainnet which currently uses proof-of-work has to be merged with the Beacon Chain, which is also known as the “Consensus” layer.
It is uncertain what impact the Ethereum 2.0 Merge will have on the value of its token, as there are many factors and unknowns to consider. The Ethereum community views the Merge as a significant improvement to the network’s technology, which will reduce the environmental impact and introduce a new form of utility for the ETH token through staking.
Additionally, the issuance of ETH will decrease, which could potentially increase its price. However, some experts believe that the market may already have taken the Merge into account and there is a slight risk that the Merge may encounter difficulties or that Proof of Stake may not be as secure as Proof of Work in the long term.