Alex Honnold is one of the best rock climbers on earth. What makes this gifted athlete so rare is that he often climbs some of the tallest cliffs with no rope to protect him if he falls.

“A lot of people are afraid of falling off the mountain, they’re afraid of falling off of things, they’re afraid of danger. I mean, I’m afraid of danger too, “ said Honnold. “If I think I might die, then I feel danger just like anybody else, but I don’t’ feel like I’m in danger in these situations.”

When he’s not defying gravity in record-setting time, he’s devoted to the work of his foundation, an environmental non-profit with the simple motto: “Do more, better”. The Honnold Foundation supports various innovative projects that offer simple, sustainable and environmentally-responsible solutions for improving lives around the world.

“We’ve been supporting solar light projects in Africa, where it helps lift people out of poverty by giving them access to light,” said Honnold. “But then it also improves the environment by not burning kerosene.”

Nomadic Climber & Environmental Preservationist: Alex Honnold

Alex Honnold is one of the best rock climbers on earth. What makes this gifted athlete so rare is that he often climbs some of the tallest cliffs with no rope to protect him if he falls.

And while the professional climber, with numerous high-profile sponsors, could afford to buy a home, he prefers to maintain a simple living, traveling the country in his custom-outfitted van in search of the next great vertical adventure.

“The actual act of going climbing all the time is the payoff,” he told Mike Water at our Los Angeles studios.

Alex Honnold offers a glimpse into his gravity-defying feats that make Mike a little more than nervous.

Follow Alex on Twitter: @AlexHonnold