Jane Fonda Delivers Powerful Speech At UN, Urges Action For Environment Protection
Veteran activist stands with Greenpeace representatives as United States delegates fail to appear.
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.
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Jane Fonda took to the steps of the United Nations this week, delivering an impassioned speech in support of major environmental negotiations aimed at protecting the world’s oceans and natural resources.
The post shows the 86-year-old actress and longtime activist speaking to the press outside the UN building, making a strong case for environmental action while raising awareness about the absence of United States representatives at the crucial talks.
According to Fonda’s Instagram post, United States delegates were noticeably absent from the proceedings. In their place, the Oscar-winning actress was joined by Greenpeace USA Interim Executive Director Sushma Raman and Greenpeace Global Political Lead Meg Randles to advocate for strong global action on ocean protection and environmental issues.
The timing of Fonda’s appearance is significant as the UN is currently hosting major negotiations focused on environmental protection measures that could have far-reaching implications for ocean conservation and climate policy.
Fonda Highlights ‘People Power’ In Environmental Movement
In her post, Fonda addressed the challenges facing environmental activists, noting that “oligarchies, conglomerates, billionaires, and their cronies are attempting to use their power to crush the movement, silence dissent, and bury the truth.”
She emphasized Greenpeace’s response when confronted with the question about fighting against powerful interests: “They have all the gold and all the power. What do you have?” Fonda highlighted that the answer remains steadfast: “We have people power.”
This message of collective action has been central to Fonda’s activism in recent years. Her advocacy work has increasingly focused on climate justice, with the actress frequently participating in protests and using her platform to amplify environmental causes.
Decades Of Environmental Activism
Fonda’s environmental advocacy is not new. The actress has been involved in various social and political movements throughout her career, which spans over six decades in Hollywood. In recent years, she has become particularly vocal about climate change, launching her “Fire Drill Fridays” protests in Washington, D.C. in 2019, which often resulted in her arrest.
Her commitment to environmental causes has also extended to coastal protection efforts in California. Earlier this year, she joined forces with Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert and the Environmental Defense Center to advocate for stronger measures to protect the California coast from oil spills and other environmental threats.
Call For Collective Resistance
In her UN speech and accompanying Instagram post, Fonda emphasized hope despite challenges, stating that “Even on the darkest days, activists, frontline leaders, big greens, and concerned citizens continue to work together to fight for democracy, peace, and a greener planet for all.”
She concluded her message with a rallying cry for collective action: “As billionaires’ pockets grow larger, our voices grow louder. As they cultivate division, we cultivate community. The resistance is blooming once again, and just in time for Spring! The time to resist is now—will you rise to meet it?”
Fonda’s appearance at the UN comes at a time when she has been increasingly active in mobilizing voters, particularly young people, to engage with environmental issues. In a recent post, she emphasized her long history of protest, stating, “I’ve been protesting since before most of you were born—and I’m still at it.”
Her advocacy extends beyond environmental issues to include broader social justice concerns. In another recent post, she joined other celebrities, including Susan Sarandon, Joaquin Phoenix, and Rooney Mara, in standing against a lawsuit by Energy Transfer against Greenpeace, which she characterized as an attempt to silence environmental activism.
As global environmental negotiations continue at the UN, Fonda’s presence highlights the intersection of celebrity advocacy, grassroots activism, and international policy-making in addressing urgent environmental challenges. Her message underscores the power of collective action in confronting powerful interests that stand in the way of environmental protection.
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