In brief
The U.N. climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, coincides with changing U.S. political landscapes, where a new administration prioritizes fossil fuels over climate action. Lydia Kiesling's novel offers critical insights into this juxtaposition, illustrating the impact of resource-driven narratives on environmental policy.
The annual United Nations climate change summit this year opens in Baku, Azerbaijan, a country steeped in oil history and ironically hosting discussions, just as the United States experiences a political shift. Following the recent election of Donald J. Trump, who has pledged to bolster fossil fuel production and disengage from the global climate agreement, the backdrop seems misaligned with the summit's goals.Amidst this ironic setting, Lydia Kiesling’s novel “Mobility” becomes a pertinent read. The 2023 book traverses Baku’s shifting socio-economic landscape through the journey of its protagonist, Bunny Glenn, who tangles with the repercussions of climate change while working for BP during a tumultuous political era.In an interview shortly after the election, Kiesling shared her rationale for Baku as a central theme. Drawing from her childhood experiences as a Foreign Service offspring, she noted the stark contrasts between Armenia's poverty and Baku's wealth fueled by natural resources. This narrative helps to contextualize the broader ramifications of energy dependency and climate policy.The interplay of history, politics, and personal storytelling in “Mobility” echoes the conflicting priorities apparent at the U.N. summit. As discussions on environmental action unfold, the realities of fossil fuel influence loom large, shaping the dialogue moving forward.
