What happens if bitcoin mining stops or becomes too expensive? Is that within the realm of possibility? Are there mitigating factors, probably the adoption of renewable energy?
Mining bitcoin is actually getting more expensive every halving that passes and the problem of electricity cost is also getting worse. The thing is there are different types of Bitcoin miners and we have the enthusiastic ones and the onesin for profit. Some solo miners are fine so long they don't go into losses after electricity costs and maintenance.
Mining pools and bigger companies make the most because of the hash rate they generate. Mining will never stop even when the whole supply is minted we still have transaction confirmations.