Pete Howson

Pete Howson is a Professor of Geography and International Development at Northumbria University, leading the MSc in International Development program. His research focuses on environmental technologies, blockchain’s socio-environmental impacts, and post-capitalist futures. Previously, he held academic roles at Nottingham Trent University and Victoria University of Wellington, with postdoctoral research at Colorado State University on Palau’s marine conservation efforts. He holds a PhD in Geography (2016) and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA, 2018).

• Research Interests: Blockchain ethics, climate finance, crypto-colonialism, ecological restoration, and equitable development.
• Key Publications: Let Them Eat Crypto (2023), STEM Wars (2025), and studies on cryptocurrency impacts in Latin America and Tanzania.
• Awards: Recognized as a leader in critical technology studies through his FHEA fellowship.
• External Roles: Editor of Asia Pacific Viewpoint, advisor to UNEP’s blockchain working group, and climate advisor to the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

His work critiques techno-utopian narratives, exposing how blockchain and space technologies exacerbate global inequalities while offering critical insights into sustainable alternatives. Supervision of PhD candidate Daniel Walsh examines NewSpace industries in Texas. His research bridges environmental policy, political ecology, and digital innovation, advocating for equitable and degrowth-oriented solutions.