Alex Honnold is an American rock climber best known for his daring free solo climbs of big walls. Free soloing is a form of rock climbing where the climber climbs without any rope or other protections, making it a highly challenging and unforgiving sport. Honnold gained mainstream recognition in June 2017 for completing the first-ever free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. This accomplishment was recorded in the 2018 documentary film Free Solo.

Since 2018, Honnold has used his fame to support climate change action. In 2012, he created the Honnold Foundation, with the mission to “promote solar energy for a more equitable world.” Through the Foundation, Honnold gives away one-third of his income to solar energy projects worldwide. To learn more about the Honnold Foundation and how you can contribute, check out the “Action” link below. Honnold also speaks publicly about the impacts of individual actions on the environment and encourages others to limit their use of fossil fuels.

In 2022, Honnold starred in the 3-part National Geographic docuseries Arctic Ascent. In the series, Honnold and his fellow rock-climbers Hazel Findlay and Mikey Shaefer set out to climb Ingmikortilaq, an unclimbed 3,750-foot sea cliff in eastern Greenland. However, more than just an adventure, the trip is also an opportunity for French glaciologist Heidi Sevestre to collect critical scientific data about the glaciers and ice sheets in this remote area. Through the stunning cinematography and clear communication about Arctic warming, the series showcases both the beauty and fragility of eastern Greenland. To watch the docuseries, visit the “Definition” link below.