Cleaning Up: Leadership in an Age of Climate Change Cleaning Up Redux: From Free Solo to Free Solar — Alex Honnold
Aug 20, 2025
Professional rock climber Alex Honnold, renowned for his breathtaking free solo climbs, discusses the profound connection between his climbing and environmental activism. He shares insights on the impact of the documentary 'Free Solo' on his public image and the emotional challenges of climate change. Honnold highlights his foundation's solar projects that empower disadvantaged communities, stresses the importance of reliable energy for healthcare, and reflects on the intricate balance of risk in climbing and fostering responsibility for future generations.
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Risk Versus Consequence
- Alex differentiates risk (likelihood) from consequence (severity) and stresses they are not the same thing.
- Free solo often looks risky but can have low perceived likelihood of failure while having catastrophic consequences if it occurs.
Emotional Gap In Climate Action
- Climate risks lack the immediate physical fear that motivates urgent action, so people feel less compelled to act.
- That emotional distance helps explain slow global responses despite catastrophic long-term consequences.
Prioritize Win‑Win Solar Projects
- Focus on win-win solutions that improve livelihoods while protecting the environment.
- Support community-centered solar projects because they reliably deliver social and environmental co-benefits.
