#TariffsPause Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain platform that enables the creation of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin and others, Ethereum revolutionized blockchain technology by allowing programmable transactions beyond simple peer-to-peer transfers. Its native cryptocurrency, Ether (ETH), is used to power the network and pay for transaction fees. With the transition to Ethereum 2.0 and Proof of Stake (PoS) consensus, it aims to become more scalable, secure, and energy-efficient. Ethereum plays a crucial role in the world of decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3, shaping the future of the internet and digital economies.