From Slavery to Climate Crisis: An Exploration of Injustice

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

Join the God on the Move Community on the Lausanne Action Hub and be part of the conversation, see exclusive content and share your own testimony.

We’d love your feedback to help us to improve this podcast. Thank you!