In brief
In Baku, the birthplace of the oil industry, a novel reflects on climate change amidst political irony.
The irony of this year's United Nations climate change summit in Baku, Azerbaijan—a nation known for its oil legacy—is unmistakable. Set against the backdrop of a newly elected president, Donald J. Trump, whose agenda promotes fossil fuel expansion and repudiates global climate accords, Baku’s setting raises profound questions about the future of climate action.For those seeking insights into this complex dilemma, Lydia Kiesling’s 2023 novel “Mobility” serves as a captivating lens. The narrative follows Bunny Glenn, an unconventional protagonist whose life unfurls in a Baku characterized by its legacy of oil—a place where her childhood experiences as a Foreign Service brat take shape during the tumultuous post-Soviet boom. As she becomes a communications strategist for the oil titan BP during Trump’s presidency, Bunny’s journey poignantly navigates the harsh realities of climate change.In an interview shortly after the election, Kiesling shed light on her choice of Baku as a pivotal location for her storytelling. “I grew up in the Foreign Service and was often moved to different countries,” she explained. “In the late '90s, when my family was in Yerevan, I became fascinated by the contrasting futures of nearby nations, shaped by their resources and geopolitical importance.” While Armenia faced economic challenges, Baku was witnessing an influx of foreign investors and adventurers capitalizing on its energy riches.Kiesling’s novel thus unfolds against the stark dichotomy of wealth and poverty, painting a vivid portrait of a world grappling with its energy-dependent legacy and the looming crisis of climate change. In a time marked by profound political shifts and environmental urgency, “Mobility” provides a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with the ongoing discussions taking place at the U.N. summit in Baku. As the world watches, the city’s stark reality serves as a reminder of the intricate relationships between power, resources, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
