The Irony of Climate Change at the Baku Summit

In a strikingly ironic turn of events, this year’s United Nations climate change summit is being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, a nation synonymous with the oil industry’s origins. As global leaders gather to discuss climate action, the backdrop is a country that flourishes on fossil fuels, just as the U.S. recently elected Donald Trump, known for his fossil fuel-friendly policies and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.To illuminate this juxtaposition, Lydia Kiesling’s novel “Mobility” provides a humorous yet insightful lens. The story revolves around Bunny Glenn, who grew up in a Foreign Service family, and navigates the complexities of the oil industry while working for BP during Trump’s administration. Her journey confronts the harsh realities of climate change against the allure of energy resources.Kiesling’s unique perspective stems from her own connections to the region and insights into the varying fortunes of Azerbaijan and Armenia during the ‘90s, a time marked by oil booms and economic hardships. This backdrop enhances the narrative, and her exploration of identity amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes offers a compelling commentary on climate diplomacy today.