Jane Fonda is known for her iconic roles on screen, but her most enduring legacy may lie in her tireless activism. From protesting the Vietnam and Iraq wars to championing women’s rights and Indigenous issues, Fonda has spent decades on the front lines of social justice. Now, in the face of an escalating climate crisis, the 86-year-old is more determined than ever to take action, believing the battle for the environment is about saving the entire planet.
In an interview with CBS News, Fonda shared her deep-rooted passion for activism and why she’s laser-focused on climate change. “This isn’t just about the environment. This is about the whole planet,” she said, highlighting the urgency of the moment. Her activism has evolved over time, but Fonda remains a vocal and visible leader, using her platform to raise awareness and inspire action.
From Hollywood to the Front Lines of Climate Activism
Fonda’s activism has long been intertwined with her career in Hollywood. She describes celebrities as “signal amplifiers,” capable of broadcasting crucial messages to a wider audience. “They pick up signals from the valley that are weak, and they distribute them so they have a larger audience,” Fonda explained. Leveraging her fame, she has helped elevate the voices of marginalized communities and pressing global issues, especially in the environmental sector.
Her climate activism reached new heights five years ago when she witnessed the devastation of wildfires firsthand, walking under an ominous orange sky filled with smoke. That moment ignited a new sense of purpose. Despite a lifetime of activism, Fonda felt she had not yet done enough to confront the existential threat posed by climate change.
Jane Fonda Climate PAC: Empowering Climate Champions Nationwide
Fonda’s commitment to the cause has taken a concrete form through her Jane Fonda Climate PAC, an organization dedicated to electing climate champions across the U.S. While national politics often dominate the headlines, Fonda is focusing her efforts on local and state races, where climate policies can have immediate, impactful results.
“Outside of the presidential race, we’re focusing on mayoral, city council, and state races,” Fonda shared, stressing the importance of putting climate advocates in positions of power at every level of government. Through the PAC, she aims to empower candidates who prioritize climate justice and are willing to take bold steps to address environmental degradation.
A Lifetime of Activism Continues
Fonda’s history of activism spans more than half a century. From marching against the Vietnam War in the 1960s to calling for an end to the Iraq War in the early 2000s, she has consistently aligned herself with progressive causes. More recently, Fonda has become a prominent figure in the climate movement, organizing weekly “Fire Drill Fridays” protests to raise awareness about the climate emergency.
Her unwavering dedication has not only earned her respect but also led to multiple arrests for civil disobedience. For Fonda, these personal sacrifices are a small price to pay in the fight for a livable planet. As she continues her activism, she’s also calling on others to step up, recognizing that the climate crisis requires collective action.
Final Thoughts
Jane Fonda’s fight for justice has taken on many forms throughout her life, but her mission to address the climate crisis is perhaps her most urgent yet. As she puts it, “This is about the whole planet.” With her Jane Fonda Climate PAC, she’s working to ensure that leaders who understand the gravity of the crisis are elected into office, from city councils to state legislatures.
For Fonda, the stakes couldn’t be higher—and neither could her determination. As she continues to use her platform to amplify climate action, her legacy as both a celebrated actor and dedicated activist only grows stronger.
