In brief
As the UN climate summit takes place in Baku, Azerbaijan, Lydia Kiesling’s 2023 novel "Mobility" captures the irony of discussing climate issues in a region central to the fossil fuel industry, particularly after the recent election of Donald Trump.
In a striking intersection of literature and real-world events, the United Nations climate change summit is currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan, a historic hub of the oil industry. This conference occurs shortly after the United States voted Donald J. Trump into office, a leader promising to enhance fossil fuel output and withdraw from international climate agreements.Lydia Kiesling's 2023 satirical novel "Mobility" serves as a poignant narrative backdrop to this paradox. The story centers on Bunny Glenn, a young woman whose life unfolds in Baku during the 1990s and culminates in her role as a communications strategist for BP during the Trump administration. The plot weaves humor with the harsh realities of climate change, embodying the complexities faced in a time when fossil fuel politics overshadow environmental concerns.In our discussion with Kiesling, she revealed her inspiration for choosing Baku as a setting. Her experience growing up in the Foreign Service, particularly during her time in Armenia—which at the time faced significant economic challenges—was a catalyst for her storytelling. In contrast, Baku was experiencing a surge of foreign investment due to its lucrative oil and gas reserves, illustrating a stark dichotomy in regional fates.Kiesling's literary exploration of these themes highlights not only the absurdities of political appointments affecting climate discourse but also the rich, yet often troubling history of energy politics in the region. As world leaders congregate in Baku, the echoes of Bunny Glenn's journey remind us of the personal and environmental stakes at play.
