Allen has a strong interest in environmentalism, fostered by the camping and hiking he did with his parents as a child.  He graduated from Cornell with a degree in environmental technology, before being lured away by a career in medicine.  The call to action never left him though: in 2019, confronted by the increasing threat of global warming, he retired early to devote his time to climate activism. He is now active in several climate organizations, including Citizens Climate Lobby, NY Renews, Color Brighton Green and Color Rochester Green.  His primary focus is lobbying and organizing at the State level.