Fire Drill Fridays for the Climate with Jane Fonda

by Jane Fonda

October 17, 2019

We are living at the last possible moment in human history when we can do something about climate change, or fail to do so, thereby denying hundreds of millions of people a livable future. This is not hyperbole. This is our call to action.

Activist, advocate and actor Jane Fonda addresses the first Fire Drill Friday.

We are at a tipping point, and I am all-in for the climate. Inspired by Greta Thunberg, the student strikers, and so many more, I have decided to upend my life, leave my comfort zone, and move to Washington, D.C. to focus on climate change. As Greta said, “This is a crisis. We have to act like our house is on fire, because it is.”

Every Friday through January, I will host an action at 11:00 AM on Capitol Hill, to demand that action by our political leaders be taken to address the climate emergency we are in. Each Friday we will focus on a different aspect of the climate crisis and what needs to be done moving forward.

Welcome to Fire Drill Fridays.

As @GretaThunberg said, “We have to act like our house is on fire, because it is.” @JaneFonda, activists, Indigenous leaders, experts, & community members are answering the alarm sounded by youth to demand action on the climate emergency.

Join us for #FireDrillFriday 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XXanwTQs2w

— Fire Drill Fridays (@FireDrillFriday) October 11, 2019

There is still time to address the climate crisis, and we know what needs to be done. We need a Green New Deal that transforms our economy to 100% clean, renewable energy, halts new fossil fuel extraction, processing and infrastructure projects that phases out fossil fuels over time through a just and equitable transition – which creates millions of new jobs. To accomplish this, we must commit to safeguarding and centering impacted workers and communities to ensure that this just transition leaves no one behind.

Activist Vasser Seydel, left, with a sign along with activist, advocate and actor Jane Fonda and other activists on the steps of the Capitol at the first Fire Drill Friday.

We are living at the last possible moment in human history when we can do something about climate change, or fail to do so, thereby denying hundreds of millions of people a livable future.

This is not hyperbole. This is our call to action.

Last week, 15 other climate activists and I were arrested at the first Fire Drill Friday demonstration on the steps of the Capitol Hill building, following a rally featuring an amazing line-up of speakers including youth activists, a biologist, and environmental justice advocates. Mass actions at a time like this are a critical part of continuing the momentum of the climate strikes, demonstrating support for a Green New Deal, and ensuring the press and the world’s attention at this critical, media-saturated time.

Earlier today, at least 16 climate activists, including @Janefonda, were arrested at the first #FireDrillFriday action at Capitol Hill.

Join Jane Fonda & many more climate activists every Friday at 11am in DC to demand strong climate leadership to confront the #climatecrisis! pic.twitter.com/yisYixzDtY

— Greenpeace USA (@greenpeaceusa) October 11, 2019

So, I will be on the Capitol every Friday, rain or shine, inspired and emboldened by the incredible movement our youth have created. I can no longer stand by and let our elected officials ignore – and even worse – empower – the industries that are destroying our planet for profit. We can not continue to stand for this.

Please, join me in this action.

You can go to our website, FireDrillFridays.com or follow our Thursday teach-ins on Facebook at 7pm EST.