David Silkenat

David Silkenat, a senior lecturer in American history at the University of Edinburgh, delves into how enslaved people shaped and were shaped by the Southern environment in his book. He highlights the profound impact of Southern planters' exploitation on ecosystems, from soil depletion to invasive species. Silkenat discusses the role of wild spaces as both refuge and threat for the enslaved, and how hurricanes disproportionately affected them. He connects historical environmental choices to modern issues of climate and racial justice, emphasizing enduring scars.