83. From Slavery to Climate Crisis: An Exploration of Injustice

83. From Slavery to Climate Crisis: An Exploration of Injustice

From God on the Move Podcast by Lausanne Movement

June 15, 2026 · 32 min · Episode 98

About this episode

Dr. Keron Niles discusses the connection between historical plantation slavery and the current climate crisis in the Caribbean.

What if the systems that ended slavery also helped ignite the climate crisis now threatening the Caribbean? In this episode of God on the Move, Dr Keron Niles shares how Trinidad and Tobago’s history of plantation slavery connects to today’s fossil-fuel-driven climate impacts, arguing that both are rooted in the same export-oriented production logic and the “tragedy of the commons.” He explains how industrialization replaced forced labor with coal-powered machines, driving emissions that now intensify hurricanes and sea-level rise for small island states. Keron challenges climate denial and the idea that Christianity is anti-science, describing faith as answering “why” while science explains “how.” He also addresses ongoing injustices, including modern slavery tied to mining for energy-transition metals, and calls the church toward justice, repentance, and prayer for peace grounded in the cross. 📚 Links from the Interview Dr Keron Niles 🧑‍💻 About Keron Dr Keron Niles is a Lecturer at the Institute of International Relations at the University of the West Indies. His work focuses on problems that arise at the intersection of climate and energy policy. Within the last five years…

People in this episode

Guest: Dr Keron Niles

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Institute of International Relations

Places: Trinidad and Tobago, Caribbean, Guyana, Suriname, Haiti, Kenya

More episodes of God on the Move Podcast

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the God on the Move Podcast podcast page.