My New Book “What Can I Do? My Path From Climate Despair to Action”

I have a new book coming out on September 8th, called “What Can I Do? My Path From Climate Despair to Action,” published by Penguin Press in the US and by HQ Stories in the UK. I love this book so much! It recounts how last fall I had an epiphany about the state of our planet that sent me to Washington DC and changed my life. I didn’t think that could happen—at my age—but it did and I’m not looking back. Everything I learned and what you need to know about the climate crisis is here from the mouths of experts and the too often unheard voices at the frontlines of the crisis, with stories and ideas that will change the way you think. It changed me. And what’s more, it gives clear ideas to answer your question: What Can I Do? You can learn more and pre-order your copy here.

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  1. Hi Jane!
    Very much looking forward to this book!!! Spreading the word to everyone about it.
    Will there also be an audio version?

    Kara

    • Yes, I will do an audio version. xx

      • Awesome!!! Myself, mother & niece have listened together to “My Life So Far” & “Prime Time” and those two books have brought us closer together. A wonderful bonding time between 3 generations of women. I have read your books alone to myself, but hearing them aloud in the same room with my mom & niece just made them that much more powerful and meaningful. We all took away so much from them. I encourage all to do this. Truly eye opening!
        Thank you again, Jane!!

        Kara 🙂

      • I am sorry. The date and time we are zooming is May 9th at 1 pm eastern.

      • I just preordered your book, I cannot wait until September.

  2. Hi, Jane!
    I am so thrilled about your new book coming out so soon.
    You never stop to amaze me with your capacity of rebirth again, and again.
    Thank you so much for existing and for inspiring me everyday!
    sending my love to you,
    Nicoleta

  3. I am very much looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of your upcoming book. The goal I set for myself during this period of social isolation was to become familiar with climate change and the current climate crisis. It has taken a lot of concentration and research as the subject matter was not in my wheelhouse (as a nurse in intensive care), however, the content is no less important. We all have an important role to play in making changes for the future of our planet! 🌍

  4. Hola, querida Jane! Cómo estás? Me encantaría tener ese libro en mis manos pero en español!! Siempre fue un tema apasionante, para mi, como docente, hablar y enseñar a cuidar el lugar en el cuál vivimos. He aprendido mucho más viendo y escuchando Fire Drill y tu continua lucha por el bienestar de la gente. Ojalá te hicieran caso a ti y a los científicos los poderosos, esos que se creen dueños del mundo y que con esta supuesta pandemia se han vuelto más y más ricos. Definitivamente tendré que continuar con mis estudios del idioma inglés para tener ese libro, a como dé lugar, entre mis manos. Un gran y cariñoso abrazo “from Uruguay”. Graciela 😍🇺🇾❤️❤️🤗

  5. Happily ordered four hard copies. I’m thinking I will get more in December. YEAAH! It’s going to be a long wait but so nice to anticipate the read. Thanks, Jane. xxDona

  6. Happy mother day, stay safe, I love you.

  7. Great! I’d love to have an audio version too!

  8. Jane,
    I just want you to know I can’t wait to read your book! I know it will be so helpful to me and so many others! I am also excited for this Friday’s fire drill Friday call! I’m finally off of work this Friday so I can watch it in peace usually I have to go hide to watch when I’m at work. I also Love my Jane Fonda track suit! It is so comfortable! So.. I came across a interview with you and lily for access live. They asked you questions and it was hilarious. I’m writing this to you because it’s important to laugh even when there is a pandemic. And I want to thank you. You and lily always make me laugh! You two have helped me through a lot so I’m explaining it to you because it’s funny! I am sure you remember it. The host asked you to finish the sentence in high school you were: and you said the baddest and lily looked at you and said you were bad? You were a bad girl? Do you know what that means?And you said well I didn’t get kicked out. And lily says no but you were a bad girl you put out? And the best response ever you said no that would be a good girl! I was laughing so much. Until this . Then u told a story and I never stopped laughing. I’m still laughing. You said you had a Roomate that you didn’t like very much and over 40 min you convinced her that a cockroach crawled up her leg and up her you know what!!! Jane please tell us more! You said there was more where that came from! Please just one story! I did some crazy pranks as a kid but that was good!! Thank you! Laughter is important.
    Love always,
    Stacey

  9. I am praying more than ever for you, asking the Lord to protect you in these difficult days and you take care 💕💕

  10. Hi Jane, I know this is an absolute longshot, but as Muhammed Ali said “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” So here goes…

    I write for my school magazine in the UK and am in the process of writing some articles as a series to motivate students when they eventually return to school in the hopes of motivating them and showing that even though we are in uncertain times they can still achieve their aspirations.

    With as many inspirational people as I can persuade (like yourself) along with MPs and NHS staff I would really like to make some sort of difference and I hope that you would possibly answer some interview questions about your career, how lockdown has been for you and your work as an environmental activist to help motivate students and maybe even some teachers, with around 2,000 people in my school I hope that this would make a real difference.

    I would be extremely grateful if you – as a prominent and inspirational figurehead would be involved as I think it would really promote the magazine and the powerful messages inside.

    If you would be willing to participate please let me know and I will post the questions- my school and I would really appreciate it.
    Thank you for reading
    Grace

    • Yeah, Grace, I will answer the que3stions you send me. xx

  11. Hi Jane!

    Can’t wait for this book! I know you already know how much those D.C. Fire Drill Fridays mean to me, but the lessons I learned and the people I met continue to inspire me daily (I’m still in touch with many of my FDF “sisters” and what a gift they have been).

    I used to work for Penguin (making graphics like the one you posted above!) and I’m selfishly grateful to have so much time now to dedicate to reading—I just finished ‘The Future We Choose’ and ‘Democracy in Chains,’ and I’m almost done with ‘Merchants of Doubt’ (a fascinating look at how a handful of people manipulated science to sow doubt about the harmful effects of tobacco and environmental threats). Happy to see PRH publishing thoughtful books about the climate crisis.

    A huge thanks to you, Lily, Annie and the FDF team for today’s rally and making the process of contacting my reps even easier—a good way to channel all of my existential quarantine dread into something productive.

    Keep the book (and action) recommendations coming!

    xoxo
    Alexandra

    • Will do, Alexandra. It made me happy to see your name in the chat box. I recommend Robert Reich’s new book, “The System: Who broke it And How To Fix It.” Reich will be my guest next Friday. xx JF

  12. Hello Jane,
    I really want to read your book soon and continue learning!!
    Everything you do for our Planet is admirable.
    Thank you for inspiring me all the time.
    Sending my love to you.

  13. Jane, you forgive me for bothering you but you asked me to remember you tell me where I can get your dvd to learn how to meditate.

    • Ahhh, you’re good, Candita. Thanks. Stay tuned and if for some reason you don’t hear back about it remind me again. xxx

    • Candita, Here is a link to the purchase page for the video that has my meditation:
      https://www.janefonda.com/shop/fitness-videos/jane-fonda-prime-time-firm-burn-low-impact-cardio/

      • Jane today I woke up very sad, worried those days that you see everything black, I received an email from a last session of a webinar from Roshi Joan Halifax and Frank Ostaseski a beautiful gift just what I needed, she talked about conscious hope It is not superficial, both are wonderful, they are giving now virtual orientations, it is a great opportunity, I hope to attend more.

      • Jane, thank you. Your meditation is the best thing that has happened to me in the last two months.It was wonderful exacly what I need.🙏🏻🙏🏻

      • Jane, a question when I do your meditation in the first breaths I feel very bad, my head hurts in general I feel bad, why is this?

        • Oh my goodness, Candita, I do not know. I will try to find out. May take awhile with all that’s going on. Stay tuned.

          • Thank you, It is rare I exercise and I feel very good, My husband says that it is to much stress, I am worrying no for me, for all the family, my employees and you, I don´t want anyone to get sick.

          • Jane already investigated the breathing of a principle of your meditation, it is the one called “of fire” and mention in a yoga page the following: It is possible that at first you can feel a sensation of heat in the abdominal part, tickling of the face, dizziness, headache … etc. This is totally normal, it is due to the amount of energy you are mobilizing in your body and the deep cleaning you are doing. Little by little you will feel better. Thanks for always be kind with me sometimes I am a little annoying.💕💕

          • Jane thanks every day I feel better with the breath before meditation. I discovered in the video that it is very good by the way that you are very good at Latin rhythms, you surprise me every day.💕💕

  14. Jane!!,
    I just wanted to let you know yesterday’s Fire Drill Friday call was great! The example of calling your representative you and Lily did was very helpful and made me feel more confident with calling. Since I knew what to say and what to expect. I’m glad Fire drill Friday’s has that tool!!! I’m going to be honest I didn’t know who my representative was. I wanted to tell you though I called! Twice! And plan on calling again tomorrow. I never thought I would ever do this because I am so scared of what people think of me, but after you told those stories about those people who were so sad and angry. I felt I had to call. I hope I’m not bothering you with this but I was so happy I did it but had no one to tell because my friends think I’m crazy and my family could care less so I knew you would appreciate it. Now I have a little more confidence and could probably get more involved. I want to help! So thank you! Can’t wait till this coming Friday!!!
    Love always ,
    Stacey

  15. Hi Jane!

    Perhaps a blog comment isn’t the correct avenue for this, but I see that Fire Drill Fridays is hiring a Digital Strategist. I’ve applied for the position, but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to reach out to you personally. I cannot stress just how much my involvement in FDF has changed my life—I would be honored to be able to use my writing and design skills to similarly inspire and motivate others.

    I have a lot of ideas for furthering the reach of the FDF message, but the one I’m most eager to discuss is an online resource hub for the climate justice movement. A place where everyone—from people completely new to activism, to veterans of the environmental and justice movements—can come for education, inspiration, motivation, and concrete action items. I’ve written a proposal for what I’m calling “Fire Drill Fridays: Journal,” and I think my experience (and passion for!) managing a similar digital magazine has uniquely prepared me to tackle this project.

    Here is a link to the proposal: https://bit.ly/2AjUYdD

    You can find my resume, and examples of my writing and design work here: http://www.alexandracharitan.com

    I’d love to discuss my proposal (or any other opportunities) further with you (or through the appropriate channels, if you could point me in the right direction). I’d appreciate it if you didn’t approve this comment to post publicly—I can be reached at [email protected] or through my website.

    Thanks!!
    xoxo
    Alexandra

    • I copied this from you to the people who do the hiring. I don’t get involved but I reminded them you’re the one I mentioned in my new book.

      • Thank you so much for passing along my info, I really appreciate it! Loved the conversation with Robert Reich—his new book is fantastic.

        xoxo
        Alexandra

  16. Hi Jane! Can’t wait to pick up your book. I saw your Youtube video entitled “Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin” Answer the Web’s Most Searched Questions.” You answered the question, “Can I write Jane Fonda?” You said you could be contacted through your blog, so here I am! My dad, Danny Tischler, always spoke about the chance encounter he had with you where you raised your hand up in New York City and needed a ride but since no yellow cabs were around he picked you up in his car in the city. He always talked about it. It was a highlight in his life. I am 24 years old. As a working actress/host in a local murder mystery dinner theatre, I have always loved this story and have been a fan of yours ever since. He passed away suddenly two years ago on Easter. I was Valedictorian of my High School and was the Theatre Award Recipient of the Year for my College. I recently graduated with my Bachelors Degree Summa Cum Laude. Like you, I am also a believer in special causes. I achieved The Ambassador Award for mentoring a student with autism and choreographing dances for a special needs girl group and I sang The National Anthem for the Multiple Sclerosis Walkathon in Aventura, FL. Since my mom has MS this was an important cause for me. I perform in professional theatre and recently was in “The Wedding Singer” at Pembroke Pines Theatre of the Performing Arts. I am ready to make a move to an area better for the entertainment industry as this is my passion. I was born to do this. If you could give me advice on how to succeed as an actress in this industry I would so much appreciate your guidance. My email is [email protected]. It would be an honor to speak with you or skype and get your expertise as well. I admire your honesty, beauty, and strength.
    Stay safe during these times!
    Alexis Tischler
    [email protected]
    Ps. The picture of my father is on my cover photo so you can check and see if you remember that day

  17. Happy 15 Year Monster-in-Law Anniversary, Jane!!! Did you ever think that 15 years ago when you came back to acting after a 15 year break that your career would have been filled with so many wonderful movies and television shows?! We celebrate you always & are so thankful that you came back to the screens!!!
    We love you, Jane!!!

    Kara xo

  18. Hi Jane!

    I hope you are keeping well and safe.
    It made me so happy to hear that you have a new (and important) book coming out very soon. I hope to someday travel from Canada to participate in Fire Drill Friday in person, and of course see you there.

    I very recently casted for a job, as part of the application process I had to write about something I would do/stand for if I got it, I wanted you to know that I chose Fire Drill Friday and elaborated on it and its great importance – so, if nothing else, hopefully that will touch some others, provoke them to take action, and continue to spread the word about FDF! It would mean a lot to me if I could help in any way.

    Fingers crossed and positive vibes for it all!

    Much love,
    Megan xoxo

  19. And please if you go out be careful, i know the activism is the most important to you but I worried for you, sorry for bothering

  20. Dear Jane,
    You may decide to not post this as it will be too long and uncomfortable, but I hope you will read it. I woke up with this in my head, but it’s been brewing since you announced that you were going back into production on the last season of Grace & Frankie.
    I’m scared. I’m afraid for you, Lily, Sam and Martin and for any grandmothers, grandfathers, favorite great uncles and aunties, and young sons and daughters of the grips, best boys, lighting people, make-up people, etc. I know they need the work, the paychecks and you worry for them over that. I want them to not have to choose Covid over food, rent, mortgage, medical etc. I wish I could send them all at least the $1200 wrongly sent to me, but it is not enough anyway.
    Of course, I want to to see a last season. Like every avid fan I want to see the writer’s ending revealed, one more chance to experience the magic of actors coming together to bring characters, I love, to life; but it’s my part in all this that chokes me, shakes me, haunts me.
    Who drove the paparazzi’s crazy pursuit of Diana? Who yells for one more song even when Judy’s voice is too broken to sing? Whose applause begs for one more appearance when you are ready to drop, when you have already given your all? It’s me, the consumer. And finally, now at this horrible crazy time in the world, who drives the producers, the studios, the networks, the industry to put your lives in danger for money, if not me, the consumer?
    What can I do? What can I say? Do I boycott the last season? I would fall in front of a bus to save any or all of you rather than play a supporting role in your life ending through the agonizing death of Covid 19.
    If we need to own our part in destroying this beautiful earth; if we need to own our selfishness and prejudice that causes so many to have less than they should have; then part of our responsibility is owning that our consumerism is part of that selfishness.
    That consumer sickness is not just in sweat shops in foreign countries or in the fossil fuels we rip from the earth, it is also in the way we demand to be constantly entertained at the expense of the talented, creative souls in your industry.
    It doesn’t matter that you want to please and entertain us, that it gives you joy, that you are paid, small or exorbitant amounts. It’s the unhealthy lengths, the lack of boundaries that cause so many to suffer an unbalanced life or the wasteful deaths. It doesn’t matter if our selfishness is unconscious or not; we are not excused from the pain or loss we cause.
    With millions dying, with no vaccine, I’m not being dramatic. This is real. How can you possibly do this production safely and not be in danger? You can’t. I know I can’t picket and stop it. But I don’t want you to do it for me. Please, don’t, Not any of you wonderful, precious, talented people. I will not be at ease until you have finished and a reasonable amount of time has passed to show you have made it safely through. Probably, I will never know the cost. I want to scream and plead with Lily to stay home and COOK. I never dreamed that I would say that, but I am. I release you to live. Live for yourself, not my laughter and applause. You created enough for me. It’s in my heart and memory forever. I am rich because of your gifts.
    I’m not saying because we are old that we should have no goals, no purpose nor contribute to society, but you don’t need to die to do all that. Already we have people who are willing to have old people die from this so their losses are less. Reminds me of when AIDS first started. Many were unconcerned because it was thought to be a homosexual disease. Slippery slope when you are willing to let one group of people die due to your prejudice, whether it is in a holocaust or from a disease. The cost turns out to be too high for everyone. We all pay the price. Besides you don’t know what group is next. We must be in this together, to end the disease, save the planet or just to grow to be a more humane race. with love, Dona

    • Dona, we won’t go back to work until it’s safe and will take all precautions. Trust me. xxx

      • Dona is right the must important for us is that you stay safe and happy.

  21. Dear Ms. Fonda,
    We hope this message finds you well.
    It’s Donatella Mulvoni and Manuela Cavalieri.
    We are two Italian journalists based in the US (Washington DC and New York).
    We are contributors for “Il Gruppo Espresso” , one of the leading Italian media groups. We would like to ask you an interview about your new book “What Can I Do? My Path From Climate Despair to Action”, coming on September. Also we would like to talk with you about this particular time that the world is living under the Covid pandemic. As you know, Italians love you so much and for us would be an honor to have the chance to talk to you. Sorry if you are using this space, if could you give a contact for your publicist, an email, we will provide all the details. Thank you so much, best Donatella and Manuela

    • Donatella and Maunuela, my PR firm is Sunshine Sachs. Ask for Kimberly Christman. [email protected] or 714/308-1288

      • Dear Jane, thank you so much! We will contact Ms. Kimberly Christman. We really hope to have the chance to talk to you. We are dreaming this interview for long time.
        Have a beautiful week end
        best regards,

        Donatella and Manuela

  22. I will definitely be purchasing a copy of this book! Very interesting! Will the stores have autographed copies to sell? Every book I have of yours has been signed. 🙂

  23. https://www.svtplay.se/video/26675762/jane-fonda-ikon-och-aktivist You are a hot spot on Swedish national TV now <3 Go girl!!!!

  24. I’m glad you’re busy and don’t blog, but now I miss you.😢😢

  25. Jane, I trust your love of humanity. I trust your generosity, your desire to connect, create, to support, to inform, to grow. And while I have you so way high up in my admiration I still know you are human and fallible as I am. Sometimes our strongest features/traits are not only the best part of ourselves but they can be our most vulnerable part as well.
    You reach out to touch the persons you interview out of love, desire to connect, affirmation of thought and there the virus sits waiting like a vulture for that moment of contact. This has been the hardest part of all this contagion. It uses our best motives of desire to connect as it’s pathway to destroy. I’m afraid not because I don’t trust that you will use all your capacity to protect, but because this monster has so much unknown about it, and so much power to destroy. I have always admired your courage and determination to not let fear rule your life, so I feel torn to write like this, adding my fear to drag on you. I’m sorry for that. I want to support and lift you up. It’s a odd thing this duality of purpose/feeling. The desire to protect and the desire to free you to your own abandon at the same time. Don’t we all struggle to live with that duality? Thank you for reading both these posts and taking the time to respond. Stay well is my deepest wish for you at the same time staying YOU. XXDona

  26. Hi Jane !
    Your book will be released in France ?
    I’m always in awe of all your energy !
    I saw again on tv during confinement the film “Et si on vivait tous ensemble”…very good film…and I saw good westerns with your father !
    Do you know that Guy Bedos died last thursday ? he was 85 years old. He was so funny.
    Take good care off yourself. xxx

    • I loved Guy Bedos. He was a gent. Very sad. I don’t know if a French publisher has bid for my book. I don’t think so. The UK, Yes. xx

      • yes, it seems he was very kind. I had read that there was a very good atmosphere between all of you !
        I can’t tell you if a French publisher has submitted a tender for your book.xx

  27. Jane, I have some good news for you and the planet from Greenbay Wisconsin. This morning at the Georgia Pacific plant a natural gas broiler arrived! This is the second natural gas broiler being installed. The installation will completely end the use of COAL at the site. The final smokestack at the plant will be removed within the next two years. Georgia Pacific’s public affairs manager Mike Kawleski said when the facility was built there was nothing but farmland. Now it’s right in the city . As part of being a good neighbor we’ve done a number of things so this is a continuation of the sustainability efforts. This is good news right!!!
    Stacey

  28. Jane why not video for the rest of the world? In other places we love you too😢😢😢

  29. Hi Jane, I just ordered your book via Premiere Collectibles. I cannot wait for my signed copy, if you personalized to my name I would really appreciate it. I really enjoyed the talking with Annie during the live signing and so good to hear your passion about being an activist, I truly cannot wait to read your book and improve myself to see what Can I do for the Earth. Love always, Bence from Hungary

  30. February 2021 – I belong to a book club of active intelligent women in their 50s and 60s in Colorado – we tried to apply for you to come do a book discussion with you (“What can I do”) and put together a script showing why we would be great for you to participate with — we were sent to Greenpeace to enter, and they would not answer any questions, plus they didnt even judge the videos, but let audience do it, and we ended up just getting multiple emails from them asking for donations (had to un-subscribe to 13). — I wanted to let you know this so that you are aware of the way Greenpeace handled the situation. (sort of a free for all, not professional). We have been around for 30 yrs. and ==have experienced the first “100-year flood” in US in recent decades and ==3 of our worse forest-fires on record in CO in 2020. We read books that are thought-provoking, and are active volunteers–We are sorry that we missed garnering your thoughts on the environment. We hope that your promoters look into the Greenpeace situation to prevent such disappointments in future years.

    • I’ve pased this on to the Greenpeace team. Thanks, Kathleen. xx

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