83. 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   🧑‍💻 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, his research has also focused on assessing cultural industries as a pathway to low-carbon and circular economic growth.    As a certified youth worker for the past 21 years, and a published poet, Dr. Niles has been involved in international outreach projects in Guyana, Suriname, Haiti and Kenya. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government (with minors in History and International Relations) from The University of West Indies and a Master’s Degree in International Law from the University of Aberdeen. Dr. Niles also serves as an advisor to the Port of Spain Hub of the Global Shapers Network – a global youth movement founded by the World Economic Forum. 🔗 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.