South Africans are familiar with the face of Simon Gear as he is beamed into living rooms every evening at approximately 730pm on SABC3 when he delivers the daily weather. Simon will soon also be hosting the re-launched version of the well-known and much-loved environmental TV show, 50/50.

In the spirit of SA PROMO Magazine’s ‘green issue’ for March, we speak to Johannesburg based Simon about a book he wrote called ‘Going Green – 365 ways to change our world’.

What do you do?

I am an environmental scientist who, in addition to normal consulting, does a lot media work for TV, radio and print.

What is your background?

I am the son of a geography teacher, with a love for and interest in the environment from a young age. But I also always wanted to work in radio so I am thrilled to have the best of both.

What did you study?

English and Geography undergrad and a climatology-focused Honours. I am currently completing a Masters in Environmental Science.

How did you get into green issues?

I was brought up with it. It never occurred to me until recently that this stuff didn’t go on around everyone’s dinner table.

What are you most passionate about?

I love the bush, particularly the big rivers in the Kruger. I don’t think I would ever tire of being in that world. But I would also at one point have given anything to be a test cricketer if offered (they wouldn’t – I’m no good). I hear the English team is on the lookout for South Africans?

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into your field?

Do what you love. If you are working in a field that you find fulfilling, the joy (and the money) will come. That applies to anything, not just environmental science.

What made you write the book Going Green?

It was a natural extension of the work that I was already doing as the environmental correspondent for Talk Radio 702 and 567 Cape Talk.

What has been the biggest lesson from writing the book?

The thing with books, which few authors ever tell you, is that at some point you actually need to sit down and write the damn thing. It’s a lot of work.

What is your next project?

There is another book, for kids, in the pipeline. I am also about to start hosting South Africa’s longest running environmental TV show, 50/50.