Rebel with a Cause: Jane Fonda in conversation with Katie Couric at the Aspen Ideas Festival

Rebel with a Cause: Actress and activist Jane Fonda is mad as hell - and she’s unleashing her trademark ferocity to address climate change - one of the most pressing issues of our lifetimes. Now 86, she recently said, “This is the moment I have to completely show up with everything I have. I want to be part of the generation that does something about it … because this is it.” On Wednesday, June 26th she joined journalist Katie Couric to explain what she’s doing to save the planet.
Each June, the Aspen Ideas Festival welcomes the public to join the world’s most influential leaders-innovators in business, academia, public policy, science, and the arts-who are shaping the future. Engage in thought-provoking panels, intimate roundtables, and spontaneous conversations across our stunning 40-acre, art-filled campus in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. Leave Aspen inspired to make a lasting impact in your community and beyond. #AspenIdeas
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[@abbie5212]

Thank you Jane. At 66 and retirement coming in 2 months, I've wondered what to do with myself. I wondered how to matter as a single woman with no immediate family near by. I have an environmental degree that I never got to use. After listening to you, it's time to break out that degree and devote time to the cause. 👍

[@princehorselover9706]

Bless you, you can now put that degree to valuable and meaningful use. And congrats on your retirement, Abbie, now you'll never be bored! 😊😉👍🌷❤

[@janedoe09]

God Bless You and Your New Journey For Clean Air💜💜💜

[@xlukyn]

🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@ColleenD78]

👍🥰🥰👍🥰👍🥰👍

[@hithere1590]

There is no cause . This is all shit. She got one foot in the grave.

[@carmenruiz5033]

YES!!! Vote for our Democracy! Thank you Jane! ❤

[@silentmajority8365]

Hanoi Jane

[@julienygren8935]

Yes! VOTE against DUMP

[@arlettedelong4112]

To silent majority : you are not silent , you are envious

[@BradPotter-l9m]

@@carmenruiz5033 Hanoi Jane was a traitor to our country and the guys that served in the military.

[@gangstagrandma]

Hell yeah. Activist forever and Ms Couric too. Jane Fonda is a woman to be proud of.

[@lindacaswell9650]

Wow Jane Fonda, you are amazing ❤ I love your passion. You are a wonderful speaker

[@paulawilliams7030]

I was born in Southern California in the 1950’s and just like Jane I remember how nice it all was. Jane is so correct about our environment and what need be done.

[@silentmajority8365]

Hanoi Jane

[@rosemgavaldon4515]

Jane is a great woman! Has fought for freedom and human rights since the Vietnam war, she was right! I am now 70. She is a stronger warrior now!

[@orffrocks5667]

Jane, you’re an angel 😇 and a change maker. One of my heroes.

[@AsiralcEarth]

AGREED.

[@topogigio2006]

Jane - the deployment of the jab is causing the big "turbo C". Please fix that issue a voice using your platform.

[@erinbrooks4149]

What a passionate, smart, witty, eloquent, knowledgeable advocate you are Jane Fonda! We have been blessed to have your energy in our spheres! Vote Blue in November down ballot!

[@shericooper803]

I couldn't agree more, I have been a big supporter of Jane's since the 70's. I think she is fantastic in most all her endeavors. She is right on the money here, Climate, Voting, the Project 2025. All of it is our challenge to rise the the occasion at this moment in time. We may not have time left if Joe Biden isn't the Presidential Victor.

[@fanofbooks9]

Such a smart and brave woman. You are the definition of transformation, care, and commitment.

[@dcxxxx]

🤣

[@MrMarkOlson]

@@dcxxxx And you are the definition of TROLL.

[@silentmajority8365]

@@MrMarkOlson Fonda still in the closet

[@sevuw]

Love Jane Fonda and everything she is about. Thank you for being the beacon of light.

[@navinebaskerville2350]

Because of this talk of Jane Fonda's, I've decided to vote for Joe Biden instead of sitting it out, after she discussed what he has done for climate change. I will now read Project 25 because she told me to do so. I have the greatest respect for her sincerity in effecting positive good in this world. Thanks, Katie for having her on . She is still beautiful inside and outside. And so are you, Katie. I remember when you first started on the Today Show. Thank you!

[@Clintsessentials]

👍

[@recklessred5476]

Jane is an (often unsung) hero! She is so brave to keep ranting and raving about the things that are important to her, despite the flack she takes. You go girl -- and thank you!!

[@rosiesnextpage]

Thank you, Katie, for this interview, and Jane for...everything you do. We need your beautiful and strong brave voices and actions.

[@elizabethburch4338]

What an inspiration....we all need to spread the word and act on her words!

[@kaceykelly7222]

Jane, thank you for inspiring all of us for so long. With so much evil to overcome in this world, we hope you are still cheering us on in another 20 years ❤

[@dorothyknable9825]

"If she can do it, I can do it." I met Jane as an activist in 1980, with Campaign for Economic Democracy ,led by her then husband Tom E Hayden, major activist and author of the 60's-70's. WE old folks are still needed. Thanks, Jane Fonda!

[@sandradalessandro2935]

Two amazing women on that stage. Truth tellers. Luv you both. Sending gratitude. 🎀✝️🙏🏻🦋🦋🦋🌸☮️☮️☮️☮️🇱🇷

[@maxq96]

Jane needs to go on tour and speak in front of huge crowds. She is amazing! She is so inspiring. Everyone needs to here her speak. If America watched this instead of the debate, we'd be in a much better place right now.

[@gregoryperna2987]

Amaaaaazing woman. Jane Fonda, Keep following your purpose, WE NEED your voice. Lets hope more like you step up and join the movement to SAVE our country and SAVE our world

[@erikagoetzinger8169]

Thank you Jane! I was approaching my 60th birthday and feeling old. And then you were arrested at 80+ for protesting in DC, and a youthfulness and passion was birthed within me! I have left evangelicalism as well as the Republican Party. A new birth!

[@tomatoseed1443]

So heartening!❤

[@loril.mangold8160]

Thank you, for educating yourself about our planet

[@zanagriffith7378]

Congratulations!

[@Julie-mo6gm]

You give me hope.❤

[@tinalaplaca6638]

l love Jane Fonda....she is the best of the best. She certainly entertained us well for years and years.....and all her films/movies are awesome. Climate change is important and must be a priority. Folks must get onboard and help make the change to better our childrens future lives. Do your homework folks.....

[@sharlarae9719]

Thank you Jane you're a great role model and ive admired you since the 60s. I also have been a life-long activest...I write letters, make phone calls and attend protests trying to make the world a safer place to live!!! Its imperative we stand together against tyranny. Keep doing what you're doing because you inspire alot of people as you've always done. Also shout out to Katie who is doing the same!!! I love you both ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lorenabort9717]

We ALL NEED TO SHARE THIS!!! 👏🏽🙌🏽

[@lynnemanning9553]

Every time I heart Jane Fonda talk, I break down into tears, because she is SO RIGHT, AND SO COURAGEOUS 💟💟💟 We aren't just trying to make the air clean and the ocean clean for humans, but for ANIMALS, which have silent voices, who we are killing one after another, every species on this planet has been exploited, overlooked, and abused by human beings. We need to think of other species for a change, I mean, REALLY!! It is their planet too, and we have been on a free-for-all too long, and constantly TAKING!! Please make the environment the reason to vote this year, as well as, keeping the slick, arrogant, spoiled, unhappy, lying, negative, FELON out of the Presidency....‼ He will completely ignore and purposely will throw out the window, all environmental, mega important issues.

[@sigridureinarsdottir4767]

❤❤❤🙌🙌🙌

[@singerrb4984]

Well stated.

[@lysareneep.8028]

100%!!!! Animals have done nothing to make themselves extinct or to destroy the planet we share. If you want to make a huge impact for the planet and the animals -- GO VEGAN!!!!!

[@silentmajority8365]

Posed for Anti American propaganda pictures Refused to bring home letters from POWs Fjanefonda

Amazing woman. Love her and her tireless efforts to make a better world.

[@joannedifiore]

Jane Fonda is the best badass of my time. Love her. She makes a difference and is such an inspiration! She should run for president!🤩🤩🤩

[@Tya-8542]

She is over 80 and going strong..

[@i-35vagabond56]

Your sarcasm is detected.

[@sonjakracke8304]

Ditto!!!❤🥰❤💕🥰💖❤️💕❤️

[@sonjakracke8304]

​@@i-35vagabond56Uhgggg!! You're right😢

[@Zane_Zaminsky]

@@i-35vagabond56👎

[@sonjakracke8304]

Jane is a model for women, for every generation!!❤ Love, love, love her!!!🥰❤️💖💕❤️

[@diashelle]

Jane Fonda is such a blessing. Grateful to her for her vigor and her ability to buck her family history of depression and desperation.

[@AsiralcEarth]

AGREED.

[@lindablackwell4852]

Jane gives me hope❤

[@lorimontcalm9086]

Jane has been on the right side of history for years! She has been vilified, jailed and yet she keeps on going! I would be proud to be half as brave as she has been throughout her life! ❤❤❤❤ Vote blue for green!

[@e.m.tanner179]

That last comment by Ms. Fonda really resonated with me. If we have a democratic government, we still have the right to disagree, should it come to that. With an authoritarian government, we have no voice. None. Please vote BLUE to save our union. BIDEN/HARRIS 2024

[@silentmajority8365]

Hanoi Jane

[@cjhf97]

RFK must win. Vote🎉❤

[@silentmajority8365]

​ @cjhf97 RFK has no chance The majority want the border secure

[@59markr]

Forget nuclear, just plug Ms Fonda into the grid and we will have limitless energy. Brilliant woman. ❤

[@cheriewolfsen2491]

Thank You Jane! ❤❤❤ For Everything You Do!

[@Catalystresource]

I am 70 and have seen a lot too. She brought me to tears many times with her passion and desperation. If we had a small percent of her dedication and fierceness and took action it could really make a difference. As a social worker and environmentalist for decades I have cared about many issues, but I've always said that climate and environment are number 1 because it affects every person and living thing. It doesn't matter what you own or your politics are- we will all go down together, though the super rich will last a little longer in their bubble fake apocalyptic world. They are the ones only thinking of themselves and their immediate loved ones. And those are typically bankers, corporate CEOs, and leaders of most countries. There are almost 8 billion of the rest of us who actually care about life on Earth so surely we can do more to save it. It is home to so many life forms and a miracle of Creation. How will you answer your children and grandchildren who no longer have a planet worth living in when they cry out, "why didn't you do more? "💔😥🙏

[@princehorselover9706]

Well said! I LOVE Jane's energy and passion for our planet, brought me to tears as well. ❤

[@AsiralcEarth]

AGREED.

[@MWAshby-bb1ee]

Thank you Jane! You are being heard. You are not just a movie star, you are a hero!

[@vonniehatfield2599]

Jane has been an inspiration for years & I love her for her Wisdom. What a FORCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰 🥰

[@debihanford4772]

Thank you for all you do Jane Fonda! I will definitely vote with climate change as a priority!

[@proffittm3010]

Great job, Jane Fonda! You are my hero! Thanks so much for supporting Biden!

[@yolilopez1992]

Love you Jane, so happy your speaking out👏💙🙏🇺🇸

[@donnaconnell]

Amazing! Jane is so inspiring, we need her everywhere!!❤😊

[@tinat.4508]

"Humankind is challenged, as it has never been challenged before, to prove its maturity and its mastery - not of nature, but of itself." - Rachel Carson 1962 Lower your consumption.. share your wealth.. spread kindness 🙏🌎❤ Thank you Jane

[@clairetaylor4255]

She's a beautiful grand woman. I'm so thankful for her and her leadership and bravery. I'm proud of Katie, too!

[@olufunkeolunloyo3303]

This exceptional woman, is a gift, direct from our CREATOR!

[@christieannice2859]

Not a USA treasure, An Global, International treasure💙💖🥰❤❤🇦🇺🌏🙏🏽🖖✌

[@dianewhalen9721]

Go Jane👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️

[@sadie4me2]

God bless this woman. She has been a rebel for as long as I can remember, and she has stood on the side of truth the whole way in spite of some public anger thrown at her.

[@dalemartinez1086]

I love you both. Always loved Jane. In all you do and have done. Katie so cool.

[@maureengrogan5874]

I could not admire and love this woman more. She does not have to be doing this. She's been on the right side of every issue of my lifetime and she is willing to risk her own livelihood in order to speak out and act. Love you a million times, Jane. ❤❤❤

[@tracyj2886]

Thank you, Jane🎉 Thank you for using your platform to help us save our democratic republic! Biden-Harris 2024 !!!!

[@striker44]

I like that she took a pause to think before answering Katie's question.

[@iamanomas]

Vote for your democracy. Because if that goes, you can kiss that goodbye as well as climate change legislation.

[@silentmajority8365]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@hamsterdiving7593]

Bless ur heart... (😅)

[@Ericwest1000]

Thank You for giving Jane Fonda this vital forum, Katie Couric and the Aspen Ideas Festival! She has the facts and she has the vision and she has the passion to mobilize public opinion on this vital, vital, VITAL issue facing humanity and the planet! Bravo!

[@stacyhackney6100]

Thank you for supporting President Biden and V.P. Harris, Ms. Fonda.

[@KatKramer1]

Thank-you Jane for your continued passion and commitment to fight for environmental justice.

[@dennismorris7573]

Excellent discussion between two very accomplished and outspoken individuals.

[@AnthonyWilliams-li5mz]

I saw MS Fonda in 1971 Kent state rally demonstration. Her heart felt speech about the Vietnam war and the movement made me have so much love for her. Fonda forever

[@mauricepowers3804]

Thank you so much for what you're doing!!!!!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@tomatoseed1443]

And we also must do our part! Peace!💙🌊💙🌊💙

[@princehorselover9706]

Thank you so much Jane! I've always loved your passion for doing what's right and never giving up. You are truly an amazing and special person for caring the way you do and putting your money where your mouth is to better our planet. And you are SO RIGHT...money doesn't matter in the end only love and doing better so our future generations won't have to suffer. #VoteBlue 💙💙 #SaveOurDemocracy #PreventDictatorship #EndTheEvilNow #SaveOurPlanet #NeverMyPresident #PreventProject2025

[@valentinealevers5009]

Well done, two in one. Great example for all ages and an activist too! Not to leave out her talent as an actress, in drama and comedy.❤

[@Maddie9185]

Always been a Jane Fonda fan and now at her age I am an even bigger fan because this woman could be home enjoying her retirement but instead she’s out there is not afraid to put herself out for what she believes.

[@frequencyhypnosis8260]

Thank you Jane! I wish I could follow you all day and support this moment!

[@intuitknit]

Jane please speak out about the supreme court and how it is assisting trump to sacrifice the planet.

[@AsiralcEarth]

AGREED.

[@DivineMizE]

She's breathless bc she's so passionate. ❤️

[@tweber9480]

I like Jane as well. She’s right about Commerce City. Poor people deserve to clean air too. Thank you Jane.😊❤❤❤❤

[@frankpeter6851]

I went to a meeting at a church in South Los Angeles that was about poor people's rights. She was in the audience, not on the speakers panel, not on the poster or website. She was just a fellow citizen. I talked to her a little bit, and it was a thrill. I got the impression that it was a night off for her, and this is how she wanted to spend it.

[@briareusm]

Most important message here is: It doesn't matter that he's old, or stutters, or gets lost in debates. With Joe & Kamala we can fight for our homes. With the alternative, we can't. Period. The Democratice Party needs to listen to Jane.

[@juliewiser8460]

Yes!!

[@c.l.montoya2972]

Not just the Democrats; Everyone who is eligible to vote & cares about their environment, including themselves, their family & neighbors, last but not least the children, needs to listen, learn & VOTE 🇺🇸💙💙💙💙

[@lindablackwell4852]

Yes, very well said.💙👍🏻👍👍🏽👍🏿

[@dee8714]

@@c.l.montoya2972What about Palestinian families? Do you care about them? Do you care about all the children murdered by American weapons sent by Biden and his War Machine!

[@dolcevitausa6448]

Agree...Vote BLUE, vote for DEMOCRACY....

[@marysharvey]

Like Jane Fonda I was born in California. I grew up in a time when our air was crisp and the sky blue. I am now 73 and I too remember when we would drive over the Grapevine into L.A as a teenager, and the first thing I saw was this thick yellow fog, which was smog. It burned your eyes and made it hard to breathe. Bravo Ms. Fonda for being a champion for Climate Change!

[@LSinclair]

This was amazing. Comes down to one thing. Don’t vote for Project 25, don’t vote for fascism. Vote for the only option for life on this planet: Joe Biden, who has a team of younger people; don’t f-ing worry about that. It’s not the issue..Climate and planet Earth IS 🙏

[@SunnyInFLposeta]

Wishing some people could live forever

[@j.b.9260]

Agreed. Mostly because I'm 34 and I want to go out with her.

[@Jayman5281]

Maybe the most important conversation of all the Aspen Ideas this year. Why is no one talking about the Chevron Doctrine??? Our Rome is falling right in front of our eyes.

[@AlwaysAwesome001]

Ok goober. 🤣

[@shericooper803]

I'm so sad to say, I agree I believe Rome is falling here in the USA.

[@gabriellebrie5395]

What an inspiration she is! Thank you Jane..

[@crusading4u]

That may be one of the best interviews with Jane Fonda that I have ever seen (and I have seen many)!

[@cleverdouradomarinho904]

One of our last voices, make sure to remember this year

[@M00Nature]

Very inspiring talk! I hope I am still around at her age. In fact, I hope we are all still here in 2050, even though we won't have Jane with us then. We are in a predicament that goes beyond climate change. We are using resources faster than the Earth can replenish them and we are producing waste faster than the Earth can detoxify it. Our political, educational, financial, medical and legal institutions are all in a state of collapse, which causes people to support authoritarian goverments out of fear. This is the time for all of us to be courageous and take our heads out of the sand. Look around and really see reality. Think about future generations, or at least, your own children and grandchildren. Thank you, Jane, for being a true leader!

[@shamp261]

Bless you Jane!! Totally agree with everything you said. This was pre-debate and as disappointed as I was with Biden’s performance, I would still vote for him on life-support . If something happens to him in the next four years then Kamila will take over and I’m OK with that. I am absolutely terrified about this election, but this gave me hope that people who know what’s at stake will step up and do the right thing.❤️🙏

[@starlessmystery6429]

Love both these ladies. May they have health and blessings always.❤

[@amberbranch1145]

OMG, EVERYTHING Jane says! Not only is she such a prolific speaker that explains everything so well, but she is the most prolific in ACTION- a personal hero!!

[@SonyaMau]

Jane Fonda uses all her communication skills to share the truth! To shout the truth!! To shape a better world for all! She is truly a great servant leader!!❤️👏 32:32 at Aspen

[@striker44]

If everyone in the world have Jane's lifestyle with a very comfortable living, then people will be championing for climate change initiatives. God bless her ❤.

[@paulafoster7365]

Bravo Jane. An amazing woman!

[@elahepaaschke4839]

Jane,I admire you for your bravely and your active fighting for our future and all humanity. Thank you for helping and opening people's eyes for this important subjects . You are wonderful human being. Good Blass you, Wishing you the best of health and energy to continue and guide us through. With love and admiration ❤❤❤❤

[@pamelawright8512]

GREAT Interview, thanks Jane and thanks Katie! What an inspiration! I am voting Blue down the line!!!

[@peacenow4456]

Age is relative... Jane is 86 and sharp as a tack! Go Jane!!

[@kayjay460]

❤Jane and Vote 💙 Americans need to do what is right for all not just a few. USA needs to put the right people in power. The world is watching.

[@banjarqueenee]

Jane is a role model, mentor, national treasure whois beautiful inside and out ❤

[@exf15er]

Bless you !

[@CarolKnoles-c5m]

Jane you are awesome❤ Keep up the great work!

[@babetteshaw]

Press on!!! 💙💙💙💙💙💙

[@afm3898]

SO PASSIONATE ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGE. ❤❤❤ LOVE JANE

[@harmonysoundhealing5292]

Thank you Jane! We can’t take it with us, but the planet we leave behind will be our legacy.

[@annieb66]

Jane is very educated on this total subject of Climate Change. And she is such an eloquent speaker. If she doesn't make you do something about climate change, no one will.

[@almapointzes158]

What good is to have more money if you don't have a planet to live in. How selfish can one be to not allow our children to live.😢

[@katireijonen]

I love you Jane!

[@denisedachsel4532]

what a beautilul person,

[@pamelaj1226]

Jane Fonda is amazing! Wise beyond measure!

[@seniorswiftie]

POWERFUL words. Thank you Jane! We must VOTE for our lives and our planet! 🌎

[@patriciabeck7293]

Just think Jane, you're an activist who is so focused at the age of 87. We need more people like you!

[@danutekudaba9714]

thank you, Katie & Jane for presenting us options of kindness or greed,

[@beverlyness7954]

Excessive waste and climate change has been the most important issues of my entire lifetime - at age 71. Mostly nothing has been accomplished in this area after all these years. My awareness began with the volume of garbage we put in our landfill. I couldn't understand how people didn't see this as unsustainable. We need to change our daily life to accommodate nature and all life. It won't be convenient. Many sacrifices will need to be made. If we don't make changes we will be sacrificing earth and life as we know it if we don't take action.

[@piamarais8047]

she should be president

[@lavenderliger5154]

Bless you Jane! A hero & inspiration! 🌍

[@dorthymcbride3384]

Amen 🙏! If we get rid of the bad Republicans in congress holding up our needs! Together we can get our point across to work and improve our climates instability!