A tribute to Frank Field

It was with great sadness that today, we lost our co-founder.

Frank was one of the most influential politicians of his generation who campaigned tirelessly on social justice, tackling poverty and ensuring decency in politics. He did more to improve the lives of children in poverty and low-paid workers than any politician of his generation.

Co-founding Cool Earth in 2007, Frank turned his attention to climate change and the outdated and ineffective conservation models that had failed to halt rainforest destruction. Frank’s vision was to put local and Indigenous peoples back in control of their rainforest.

At the time, recognising rainforest as the home and livelihood of millions of people, rather than a “pristine, Eden-like” ecosystem, was still a radical idea. Frank was relentless in championing the simple fact that local communities are the best at managing their natural resources.

“Frank was a very rare type; highly principled, highly effective and deeply likeable. His fights against forest destruction, child poverty, modern slavery and so many other issues were linked by a faith in people that is truly inspiring. Cool Earth’s impact is one of the many practical manifestations of the work of a wonderful man, without whom the world will be all the poorer.” Tony Juniper, Chair of Trustees, Cool Earth

We will truly miss the humour, wisdom and compassion that Frank brought to everything he did.

The greatest tribute we can pay him is to continue Cool Earth’s people-first approach and prove his vision, that protecting rainforest community rights really is the smartest climate action.