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๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡บ Australia /Environment & Climate

Quitting dream job over climate fears a 'no-brainer' for former pilot

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Former pilot Geoff Collis quit his 40-year career due to climate change concerns.
  • He found a new passion in baking during pandemic lockdowns and decided to pursue it full-time.
  • Collis believes the aviation industry's climate efforts are largely "tokenism" and "greenwashing."

Geoff Collis, a pilot with 40 years and 25,000 flight hours logged, has traded the cockpit for a baker's apron, citing deep-seated concerns about climate change. Collis, who described flying as an "incomparable buzz," began questioning his role in the aviation industry as he witnessed the escalating climate crisis. The sheer volume of jet fuel consumed annually, 2.4 million liters, became a point of moral conflict. "How can I justify continuing in this sort of role?" he reportedly asked himself. His perspective shifted significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic when, like many in the industry, he was partially stood down. This period offered him a chance to explore a long-held passion for baking. He began an apprenticeship at a Melbourne bakery, quickly upskilling in breads and patisseries. Although he returned to flying briefly in 2023, the environmental unease persisted. Collis ultimately decided to leave aviation permanently, finding the industry's climate initiatives to be mere "tokenism, spin and greenwashing." He concluded that, given the climate situation, he had "no option but to to to walk away from it," embracing baking as his new, more conscience-aligned career.

How can I justify continuing in this sort of role?

โ€” Geoff CollisCollis reflected on his internal conflict regarding fuel consumption during his aviation career.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.