Anthony Field is CCAN’s Maryland Campaign Coordinator. Here’s his story.
Tell me a little bit about yourself!
I was born in Plano, texas and went to High School in Wylie, Texas. Both are located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. I moved to Denton, Texas to attend the University of North Texas (UNT) with a full ride and pursued a BA in Political Science and a minor in Peace Studies and Diplomacy.
I left UNT to serve as a 2015 White House Intern for former President Obama and after began managing the ground efforts for ballot initiatives and State and Federal races in Texas, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Virginia and also managed disaster relief efforts for FEMA in the wake of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Maria.
What woke you up to the climate crisis?
I had always been aware of the issue, but it was not until I began increasing my political activity after high school that I fully understood the scale. During my time at UNT I joined the local effort to institute a citywide fracking ban. Myself and dozens of other activists were able to take on the big oil interests and made Denton the first city in Texas to ban fracking! While this ban was eventually overturned by Governor Abbott in May of 2015, I am proud to have been a part of this incredible movement. Additionally, seeing the increased strength and frequency of hurricanes like Harvey opened my eyes to how we are already experiencing the negative effects of climate change. Thousands lost everything, a family friend included. Many thousands more had to evacuate and stay in shelters all across Texas. I had friends volunteer as translators for more than 12 hours a day for consecutive days. Tragedies like this will only become more frequent if we do not do something.
What impacts of climate change currently hit home to you?
The destruction of entire ecosystems, the danger posed to predominantly minority and low-income communities, the rapidly increasing health risks, the increased danger of water shortages, destructive weather patterns, the fact that we may not have a planet to live on in a few short decades… Ya know, small things.
What brought you to CCAN?
CCAN looked to be, and I am happy to find, an organization at the forefront of the fight against climate change and for environmental justice. They take a grassroots approach to organizing and have a commitment to including as many groups and people as they can in their fight.
What has inspired you most working with CCAN?
Being able to work every day surrounded by people who are passionate about the work that we are doing and seeing just how dedicated activists and community members are!
What have you contributed to bringing about a clean energy revolution that you are most proud of?
I am proud of my work with Frack Free Denton and my time helping candidates who support initiatives like the Green New Deal get into office. Something that is no less important that I do is utilize my reach on social media and other networks to educate and make people aware of the growing climate crisis.
What do you hope to see happen in terms of climate in the next year?
I had a dream that President Trump rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement. I would like to see that happen in real life.
What do you like to do when you’re not working on climate change?
I like to relax at home with my two dogs Loki and Prim, play video games, and spend time watching movies at home and in theaters with my girlfriend, Haley.
Who would you high five?
I would high five Elon Musk. Though I have my issues with him and various companies he has been involved with, I admire his passion and drive. I am thankful that he has put space travel, space exploration, and space tech development back in the spotlight. It has been my dream since I was a little boy to witness the rise of accessible space travel and to see the vastness of open space with my own eyes. I just hope we can continue to develop better, more sustainable ways to reach the stars that will not harm our own planet or ecosystems.
