Jane Fonda, 88, Vows to Ramp Up Environmental Activism in 'Crucial Year'

The actress speaks out about her new documentary 'Gaslit' and the need to protect communities impacted by the oil industry

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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In an exclusive interview, Jane Fonda, 88, told PEOPLE that her "sleeves are rolled up" and she's "ready to bear" when it comes to her environmental activism in 2026. Fonda appears in the new documentary "Gaslit," which follows her on a road trip through Louisiana and Texas to examine the impacts of the oil industry on local communities and the environment. The Academy Award winner emphasized the urgency of the climate crisis, particularly in the Gulf region, and vowed to fight against issues like the potential reopening of the Sable Pipeline in Santa Barbara County, California.

Why it matters

Fonda's high-profile activism and her willingness to use her platform to draw attention to environmental issues and their impact on local communities underscores the growing urgency around the climate crisis. As a respected Hollywood icon, her involvement in projects like "Gaslit" can help raise awareness and galvanize support for grassroots movements fighting against the expansion of the fossil fuel industry.

The details

In "Gaslit," Fonda meets with oil rig workers, local cattle farmers, and others to examine the long-term environmental and community impacts of the expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports from the U.S. She highlights issues like high cancer rates, destroyed livelihoods of shrimpers and oysterers, and the overall pollution plaguing the Gulf region. Fonda also calls attention to the potential reopening of the Sable Pipeline in Santa Barbara County, California, which she sees as part of the same fight.

  • Fonda celebrated her 88th birthday in December 2025.
  • The documentary "Gaslit" premiered at the 41st Annual Santa Barbara Film Festival on February 5, 2026.

The players

Jane Fonda

An 88-year-old Academy Award-winning actress and prominent environmental activist.

Gaslit

A documentary film that follows Fonda on a road trip through Louisiana and Texas to examine the impacts of the oil industry on local communities and the environment.

Sable Pipeline

A pipeline in Santa Barbara County, California that burst 15 years ago and is now being considered for reopening, which Fonda opposes.

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What they’re saying

“My sleeves are rolled up and I'm ready for bear. It's going to be a busy year. It's a crucial year.”

— Jane Fonda (PEOPLE)

“The pollution is unbelievable. I mean, it's also destroying the local communities. The cancer rates are sky-high. People's livelihoods are being destroyed because of the pollution. Generations of shrimpers and crabbers and oysterers have lost their ability to support their families. It's the place in the world where the most destruction is happening, so we want to stop it.”

— Jane Fonda (PEOPLE)

“There's going to be an attempt probably to mess with the elections and everybody of voting age has to vote. It's different now than it's ever been. This is a form of resistance. This is a weapon that we have to use now or we may not have it to use later. So I just want to encourage everybody, vote, become a poll watcher to make sure everything is kosher at the polling places. Voting is a form of resistance.”

— Jane Fonda (PEOPLE)

What’s next

Fonda plans to continue her environmental activism and advocacy, including fighting against the potential reopening of the Sable Pipeline in Santa Barbara County, California.

The takeaway

At 88 years old, Jane Fonda remains a passionate and committed environmental activist, using her platform to draw attention to the devastating impacts of the oil industry on local communities and the urgent need for action on the climate crisis. Her involvement in projects like "Gaslit" underscores her determination to be a force for change, even in the twilight of her legendary acting career.