In Conversation with Clive Scott on flight, music, and climate

“There are currently 24 trillion worth of cash and assets stashed in tax free havens around the world – yet we are told that transitioning to a carbon free economy is too costly“

Clive Scott is a pilot and musician who lives on Southern Vancouver Island. He has been flying for almost 45 years and a musician since first joining the school band in Grade 5. Clive grew up on a mixed farm in rural central Alberta, and spent a great deal of time in the outdoors as a young person. The influence of that upbringing, and that of his father-in-law, atmospheric scientist Dr. Geoff Strong, has led to Clive’s deep concern for the planet, particularly the critical threat of Anthropogenic Global Warming. 

The progressive and compassionate attitudes of his parents, and the music of his youth, particularly the protest songs of the 60s and 70s, imbued in Clive a strong sense of social justice, and the importance of connection and empathy toward each other and our planet. 

Praveen Gupta: Does composing music still excite you more than playing or singing?

Clive Scott: I still enjoy composing, but playing live to an appreciative crowd is the best. When the band gets “in the pocket” and the dance floor is full it’s a wonderful, energizing feeling.

PG: What is it about music and flying that awakens your concern for climate?

CS: Flying across Canada and watching its forests burn is a climate wake-up. Music doesn’t trigger concern, although it helps express the feeling of sorrow because of environmental disaster.

PG: How soon do you see flying transforming as environmentally friendly?

CS: There are some big challenges to making commercial aviation sustainable. Sustainable Aviation Fuel at the scale required is problematic. I think it will be some decades and need some big advances in lightweight energy tech and or fuel before aviation reaches net-zero.

“The growing awareness of the large CO2 footprint inherent in jet aviation has certainly spurred a desire to become more involved in the climate movement… Interestingly, COVID 19 has shown us that much of airline travel, while desirable, is not essential”

PG: How is your cover band and the acoustic project doing?

CS: The acoustic project is on hold for now – just not enough time. Both bands are doing well and gaining a good reputation on Vancouver Island. Latest video here: https://youtu.be/u7Axc-Nz5ew?si=z-2P0lLvi5EYikXX

PG: Do you see any popular resistance to the extractive and fossil fuel business in the beautiful BC and Alberta provinces?

CS: Yes, particularly in the urban areas and from the Indigenous communities. A series of extreme fire seasons has people very concerned.

PG: Was your composition ‘Killers in Suits’ meant to be a commentary on capitalism?

CS: “Killers in Suits” is more a comment on greed. It addresses the darker side of capitalism, the institutionalized and untrammelled greed that always prioritizes profit and ROI over all other concerns. (The one drop rhythm is a little nod to the social justice songs of the Jamaican reggae genre’). 

PG: Mark Carney’s ascendancy as the Prime Minister raises the expectations from Canadian leadership (in the global community)?

CS: So far Mr. Carney has performed reasonably well, and seems to have an understanding of the science underlying climate changes, and the risks of delaying action. If he can incorporate the values he lists in his book “Value” into Canadian economic and environmental policy he might become our best leader so far. I worry that the Liberal government (and the Conservatives too) are too embedded with the Canadian corporate establishment.

PG: Clive, may your inspiring music keep nurturing the causes deserving most attention today.

illuminem Voices is a democratic space presenting the thoughts and opinions of leading Sustainability & Energy writers, their opinions do not necessarily represent those of illuminem.